UN 2354 — Chloromethyl ethyl ether
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 131. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2354 At a Glance
UN 2354 (Chloromethyl ethyl ether) is listed as DOT Class 3 Flammable and is assigned to ERG Guide 131. Use this page to review placard data, common hazards, PPE notes, isolation context, first actions, and related UN numbers.
UN 2354 is Chloromethyl ethyl ether, a toxic flammable chlorinated ether assigned to ERG Guide 131. Vapor flashback, skin exposure and corrosive decomposition products require strict control.
Hazard overview: TOXIC and FLAMMABLE chlorinated ether; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may cause severe injury. Vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air. Moisture or water may hydrolyze material to acidic/corrosive products including hydrogen chloride and formaldehyde.
Response guidance: For UN 2354, isolate the release, remove ignition sources, stay upwind and use SCBA. Control water use because moisture can increase corrosive fuming; contain runoff and verify tactics with ERG 131, SDS and incident command.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2354 should emphasize toxic vapor recognition, SCBA use, skin-contact prevention, sewer flashback, container cooling, decontamination and runoff control. Use ERG 131, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Chloromethyl ethyl ether 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: Chloromethyl ethyl ether should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a cool, dry, ventilated flammable/corrosive area away from moisture, heat, ignition sources, oxidizers and bases. Provide secondary containment.
UN 2354 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2354
- TOXIC and FLAMMABLE chlorinated ether; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may cause severe injury.
- Vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air.
- Moisture or water may hydrolyze material to acidic/corrosive products including hydrogen chloride and formaldehyde.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to ignition sources and flash back.
- Fire may produce hydrogen chloride, phosgene-type gases and other toxic/corrosive smoke.
- Runoff to sewers may create fire, explosion and toxic/corrosive contamination hazards.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a pungent, irritating odor. Volatile and flammable at room temperature.
| Also known as | Ethoxymethyl chlorideEther, chloromethyl ethyl1-Chloro-1-methoxyethaneEthyl chloromethyl ether |
| CAS Number | 3188-13-4 |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a pungent, irritating odor. Volatile and flammable at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | -23°C (-9°F) |
| Boiling Point | 83-85°C (181-185°F) |
| Vapor Density | 2.6 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Slowly hydrolyzes in water producing hydrochloric acid and formaldehyde; avoid prolonged water contact |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2354
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, boots, eye/face protection and protective clothing; avoid skin contact.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2354 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; keep responders out of low vapor areas.
- Eliminate ignition sources if this can be done safely.
- Avoid breathing vapor, mist or smoke and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Keep water contact limited and controlled because moisture can increase corrosive fuming.
- 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 131, SDS, shipping papers and air monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2354 — Chloromethyl ethyl etherUse 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.