UN 2586 — Alkyl sulphonic acids, liquid, with not more than 5% free sulphuric acid
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 153. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2586 At a Glance
UN 2586 (Alkyl sulphonic acids, liquid, with not more than 5% free sulphuric acid) is listed as DOT Class 8 Corrosive and is assigned to ERG Guide 153. Use this page to review placard data, common hazards, PPE notes, isolation context, first actions, and related UN numbers.
UN 2586 covers alkyl sulphonic acids in liquid form with not more than 5% free sulphuric acid. It is a variable corrosive material, so exact SDS and shipping papers are critical.
Hazard overview: This entry describes a category rather than one single pure compound. The product may release heat and acidic mist when diluted or contaminated with water, and contact can cause severe corrosive burns.
Response guidance: Keep personnel out of splash and vapor zones, protect drains and avoid direct water streams on concentrated material. Use dry chemical or CO2 for surrounding fire, cool containers from a distance and follow product-specific SDS instructions before neutralization.
Firefighter training notes: Train crews to treat this as a variable corrosive category. Emphasize SDS verification, acid dilution hazards, runoff control and splash-zone discipline.
Regulatory context: UN 2586 is a Class 8 corrosive entry for alkyl sulphonic acids in liquid form. Confirm free sulfuric acid content, composition and package details from shipping papers.
Storage & handling: Store in compatible corrosion-resistant containers with secondary containment. Separate from bases, reactive metals, oxidizers, cyanides, sulfides and water-sensitive materials.
UN 2586 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2586
- Corrosive liquid organic sulfonic acid material; contact can burn skin and eyes.
- Contains free sulfuric acid; concentration affects heat release, fuming and corrosivity.
- Water contact or dilution may generate heat, splashing and acidic mist.
- Fire may produce sulfur oxides, carbon oxides and irritating corrosive gases.
- Some formulations may be combustible or may support burning of contaminated packaging.
- Runoff from spills or fire control can remain strongly acidic.
- Containers may rupture when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
The material is a corrosive liquid, with appearance and viscosity varying by alkyl chain and acid concentration.
| Also known as | alkylsulfonic acidsalkanesulfonic acidsorganic sulfonic acidsRSO3H compounds |
| Appearance | Corrosive liquid, typically colorless to pale yellow, with a pungent acidic odor. Viscosity varies depending on alkyl chain length. |
| Flash Point | Varies by specific compound, typically >100°C (212°F) for most alkyl sulfonics |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes before boiling, typically decomposes above 150-200°C (302-392°F) |
| Vapor Density | Greater than 1 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | May dissolve or react with water with heat release; add water only under controlled SDS guidance because acid mist or splashing can occur. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2586
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA where mist, dust, vapor or fire gases may be present. Acid-resistant suit, gloves, boots and full face protection are required for spill entry.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2586 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number shown on shipping papers; confirm the material with ERG, SDS and container markings.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish hot, warm and cold zones before entry.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream; avoid low areas where vapors, dust or runoff may collect.
- Avoid breathing vapors, dust, mist or decomposition products and prevent skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged packages or containers unless properly trained and wearing suitable chemical PPE.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after atmospheric monitoring and only with trained, equipped personnel.
- Use ERG Guide 153, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring results for isolation, PPE and fire-control decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2586 — Alkyl sulphonic acids, liquid, with notUse for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.