UN 2587 — Benzoquinone
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 153. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Benzoquinone is a toxic, irritating combustible solid. Response priorities are dust and vapor control, contact prevention and runoff containment.
Hazard overview: Dust, vapor or sublimed material can irritate or injure the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Fire can produce toxic and irritating decomposition products, and contaminated runoff may spread the hazard.
Response guidance: Isolate the area, avoid dust generation and remove ignition sources where safe. Use suitable extinguishing agents for combustible solids and contain runoff from firefighting or spill control.
Firefighter training notes: Training should address toxic combustible solids, sublimation vapor risk and dust control. Crews should practice runoff containment and decontamination for irritating organic solids.
Regulatory context: UN 2587 is Benzoquinone, Class 6 toxic material. Use shipping papers and SDS to verify isomer, quantity and exposure-control guidance.
Storage & handling: Store tightly closed in a cool, ventilated area away from oxidizers, reducing agents, heat and ignition sources.
UN 2587 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2587
- Toxic and irritating solid; dust or vapor can injure eyes, skin and respiratory tract.
- Strong irritant and sensitizer potential; skin contact may cause redness, burns or dermatitis.
- Combustible solid; fire may produce toxic carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and irritating organic vapors.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may accumulate near floors if heated or sublimed.
- May be harmful if swallowed or absorbed through skin.
- Runoff from fire control may carry toxic material into drains or waterways.
- Containers may rupture when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Benzoquinone is typically a yellow crystalline solid with a pungent irritating odor. It can sublime, producing vapor even below its boiling point.
| Also known as | p-Benzoquinone1,4-BenzoquinoneQuinonep-QuinoneChinone |
| CAS Number | 106-51-4 |
| Appearance | Yellow crystalline solid with a pungent, irritating odor. Exists as golden-yellow needles or prisms at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (combustible solid) |
| Boiling Point | Sublimes at approximately 115C (239F) |
| Vapor Density | 3.73 (heavier than air as vapor) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble to limited extent in water; no violent reaction expected, but runoff remains toxic and irritating. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2587
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA when dust, vapor or fire gases are possible. Wear chemical-resistant clothing, gloves and eye/face protection to avoid skin and eye exposure.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2587 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 2587 — BenzoquinoneUse 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.