UN 2620 — Amyl butyrates
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 130. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2620 is Amyl butyrates, a flammable liquid assigned to ERG Guide 130. Heavy vapors can travel to ignition sources and flash back.
Hazard overview: FLAMMABLE liquid; vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to ignition sources and flash back. Vapor explosion hazard exists in drains, sewers, basements and confined areas.
Response guidance: For UN 2620, isolate the area, eliminate ignition sources when flammable vapors are present and use SCBA. Keep vapors out of drains, cool containers from protection and select foam/dry chemical/CO2 from SDS and ERG 130.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2620 should emphasize vapor travel, sewer flashback, foam selection, ignition control, SCBA use, decontamination, container cooling and runoff containment. Use ERG 130, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Amyl butyrates is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, exposure, spill reporting, waste and fire-code duties depend on quantity, concentration and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and local authority requirements.
Storage & handling: Amyl butyrates should be stored in approved compatible containers with ventilation, secondary containment and separation from heat, ignition sources, oxidizers and incompatible materials according to SDS.
UN 2620 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2620
- FLAMMABLE liquid; vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to ignition sources and flash back.
- Vapor explosion hazard exists in drains, sewers, basements and confined areas.
- Liquid may float or form a separate layer on water, spreading fire or contamination.
- Runoff to sewers may create fire or explosion hazards.
- Fire may produce carbon monoxide and irritating/toxic smoke.
- Exact isomer or ester composition may affect flash point and exposure hazards; verify SDS.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid with a fruity, apricot-like odor. Liquid at room temperature with an ester characteristic.
| Also known as | Pentyl butyraten-Amyl butyrateAmyl butanoatePentyl butanoateButanoic acid pentyl ester |
| CAS Number | 540-18-1 |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid with a fruity, apricot-like odor. Liquid at room temperature with an ester characteristic. |
| Flash Point | 57°C (135°F) |
| Boiling Point | 185-186°C (365-367°F) |
| Vapor Density | 5.2 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction; insoluble in water, floats on surface |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2620
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, smoke, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection and flame-resistant protection as appropriate.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2620 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish incident command.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream.
- Eliminate ignition sources if this can be done safely.
- Avoid breathing vapor, dust, gas, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 130, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2620 — Amyl butyratesUse 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.