UN 2571 — Alkylsulphuric acids
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 156. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2571 covers alkylsulphuric acids, a variable corrosive acid group. Exact chain length and concentration can change water reactivity, combustibility and cleanup tactics.
Hazard overview: These acids can cause severe burns and respiratory injury from mist or vapor. Water addition may release heat and fumes, and metal contact can generate flammable hydrogen.
Response guidance: Isolate the area, keep responders upwind and contain acidic runoff. Avoid adding water directly unless the SDS and incident command approve. Use dry chemical, CO2 or alcohol-resistant foam for compatible fire conditions.
Firefighter training notes: Train crews on water-reactive corrosive acid tactics, hydrogen gas risk and SDS-driven neutralization. Include acid runoff containment.
Regulatory context: UN 2571 is transported as Alkylsulphuric acids, Class 8 corrosive. Verify exact formulation, concentration and emergency contact details before response decisions.
Storage & handling: Store in corrosion-resistant containers with secondary containment, away from water, bases, metals, oxidizers and heat.
UN 2571 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2571
- Alkylsulphuric acids are corrosive liquids; contact can cause severe skin and eye burns.
- Some members react strongly with water, releasing heat and corrosive vapors.
- Contact with metals may generate flammable hydrogen gas.
- Combustible formulations may burn and produce toxic sulfur oxide fumes.
- Vapors or mist can irritate or damage the respiratory tract.
- Containers may rupture when heated or contaminated with water.
- Runoff can be acidic, corrosive and harmful to waterways.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Alkylsulphuric acids are generally viscous oily liquids ranging from colorless to amber or brown, with corrosive acid behavior.
| Also known as | Alkyl sulfuric acidsAlkyl hydrogen sulfatesMonoalkyl sulfatesAlkyl acid sulfates |
| Appearance | Viscous oily liquids, colorless to amber or brown in color. May have a slight sulfurous or organic odor. Corrosive liquid at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Varies by alkyl chain length; typically 60-93C (140-200F) for common members |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes before boiling; typically decomposes above 150-200C (302-392F) |
| Vapor Density | Greater than 1 (heavier than air); typically 3-5 depending on molecular weight |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts with water releasing heat and corrosive fumes; some may react violently depending on alkyl group |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2571
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA and acid-resistant suit, gloves, boots and full face protection. Structural firefighting gear alone is not adequate for liquid contact.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2571 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping papers.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and isolate from an upwind position.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream of mist, vapor and runoff.
- Avoid breathing mist or vapor; prevent all skin and eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled acid without acid-resistant PPE.
- Ventilate confined spaces only with trained personnel, SCBA and monitoring.
- Use ERG 156, SDS and shipping papers to verify exact acid, water reactivity and neutralization.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2571 — Alkylsulphuric acidsUse 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.