UN 2721 — Copper chlorate
Placard: Oxidizer. ERG Guide 140. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2721 At a Glance
UN 2721 (Copper chlorate) is listed as DOT Class 5 Oxidizer and is assigned to ERG Guide 140. Use this page to review placard data, common hazards, PPE notes, isolation context, first actions, and related UN numbers.
Copper chlorate is an oxidizing solid; contamination with fuels, organics or reducing agents can make a fire more violent.
Hazard overview: Copper chlorate should be treated as an oxidizing solid. It can make ordinary combustibles burn faster and may decompose violently if heated or contaminated.
Response guidance: Isolate the area, eliminate ignition sources and keep combustibles away. Use dry chemical or dry sand for small material fires when appropriate; cool exposed containers from a protected distance with water spray if it can be done safely.
UN 2721 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2721
- Copper chlorate is an oxidizer; it can intensify burning even though the material itself is not a fuel.
- Heat, shock, friction or contamination may cause rapid decomposition or explosion.
- Keep away from fuels, oils, paper, wood, clothing and other organic or reducing materials.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated in a fire.
- Dust, solution or decomposition fumes may irritate or injure the eyes, skin and respiratory tract.
- Fire may produce toxic or irritating metal oxide and nitrogen/chlorine oxide fumes.
- Runoff can spread oxidizer contamination and increase fire or environmental hazards.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Blue-green crystalline solid or powder. Odorless. Hygroscopic material that absorbs moisture from air
| Also known as | Cupric chlorateCopper(II) chlorateChloric acid copper(II) salt |
| CAS Number | 14721-21-2 |
| Appearance | Blue-green crystalline solid or powder. Odorless. Hygroscopic material that absorbs moisture from air. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizer solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble in water; solution is corrosive. No violent reaction with water itself. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2721
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA for fire, dust or fume conditions with chemical-resistant clothing, gloves and eye protection; upgrade based on monitoring and SDS.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2721 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number shown on the shipping papers.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and deny entry to the spill or fire area.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream; avoid low areas where vapors or runoff may collect.
- Avoid breathing dust, vapor, mist or smoke; prevent skin and eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without appropriate PPE.
- Ventilate confined spaces only if personnel are trained, equipped and monitored.
- Use the ERG, SDS, shipping papers and air monitoring to set isolation, PPE and tactical decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2721 — Copper chlorateUse 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.