UN 2571 — Alkylsulphuric acids
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 156. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2571 At a Glance
UN 2571 (Alkylsulphuric acids) is listed as DOT Class 8 Corrosive and is assigned to ERG Guide 156. Use this page to review placard data, common hazards, PPE notes, isolation context, first actions, and related UN numbers.
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.