UN 2583 — Alkyl sulphonic acids, solid, with 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 2583 At a Glance
UN 2583 (Alkyl sulphonic acids, solid, with 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 2583 covers alkyl sulphonic acids in solid form with 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 2583 is a Class 8 corrosive entry for alkyl sulphonic acids in solid 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 2583 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2583
- Corrosive solid 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 described as a corrosive solid, often powder or granules, but color and odor vary by formulation.
| Also known as | Alkylsulfonic acidsAlkylsulphonic acids solidSulfonic acid alkyl derivativesAlkyl sulfonic acids with free sulfuric acid |
| Appearance | Solid material, typically white to off-white or yellowish crystalline powder or granules. Contains more than 5% free sulfuric acid, making it highly corrosive. May have a sharp, acidic odor. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| 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 2583
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 2583 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 2583 — Alkyl sulphonic acids, solid, with moreUse 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.