UN 2873 — Dibutylaminoethanol
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 153. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Dibutylaminoethanol is a corrosive combustible amine alcohol. It combines liquid contact burns with vapor, fire, and runoff hazards.
Hazard overview: This material is not just a flammable-liquid problem; it is also corrosive to skin and eyes. Vapors can accumulate in low areas and fire can produce toxic nitrogen-containing gases.
Response guidance: Isolate the area, remove ignition sources, and prevent liquid from entering drains. Use alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or CO2 for fire control and water spray for cooling containers.
Firefighter training notes: Training should emphasize ignition-source control, vapor monitoring, drain protection, foam selection, and container cooling for UN 2873.
Regulatory context: Use the UN number, proper shipping name, hazard class, packing details, SDS, and ERG 153 as the initial regulatory reference set.
Storage & handling: Store in approved flammable or combustible liquid containers away from ignition sources, oxidizers, heat, and incompatible materials; maintain ventilation and bonding/grounding where required.
UN 2873 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2873
- Corrosive organic amine alcohol; contact can burn skin and eyes.
- Combustible liquid; vapors may ignite when heated or exposed to sparks or flame.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may collect in low or poorly ventilated areas.
- Inhalation of vapor or mist can irritate respiratory tissues.
- Runoff can be alkaline/corrosive and harmful to waterways.
- Fire can produce toxic nitrogen oxides and irritating smoke.
- Containers may rupture when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear to pale yellow liquid with an amine-like odor. Oily consistency at room temperature
| Also known as | 2-DibutylaminoethanolN,N-Dibutyl-2-aminoethanolDBAE2-(Dibutylamino)ethanolDibutyl(2-hydroxyethyl)amine |
| CAS Number | 102-81-8 |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow liquid with an amine-like odor. Oily consistency at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | 85C (185F) |
| Boiling Point | 225-230C (437-446F) |
| Vapor Density | 6.0 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble in water; no violent reaction but forms alkaline solutions |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2873
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
SCBA for vapor or fire conditions; chemical-resistant suit, gloves, boots, and eye/face protection for spill contact.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2873 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on shipping papers or the SDS.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and remove ignition sources if this can be done safely.
- Stay upwind, uphill, and upstream; vapors may collect in low areas and drains.
- Avoid breathing vapor and avoid skin or eye contact with liquid or contaminated runoff.
- Do not touch damaged containers or enter vapor areas without SCBA and chemical PPE.
- Ventilate confined spaces only if trained, equipped, and monitoring for flammable vapor.
- Use ERG guidance, SDS, shipping papers, and vapor monitoring before selecting tactics.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2873 — DibutylaminoethanolUse 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.