UN 2686 — 2-Diethylaminoethanol
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 132. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
2-Diethylaminoethanol is a corrosive, combustible amine liquid with an ammonia-like odor. Responders should treat releases as both a burn/contact hazard and a flammable vapor hazard.
Hazard overview: The main concerns are corrosive contact injury, respiratory irritation and ignition of vapors. Vapors are heavier than air and may move along floors or into drains where flashback can occur.
Response guidance: Isolate the release, remove ignition sources and keep runoff out of sewers. For fire, use alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or CO2; water spray is mainly for cooling exposed containers.
Firefighter training notes: Train crews to recognize corrosive amine releases, vapor migration and drain/sewer flashback potential before entry.
Regulatory context: Confirm UN 2686, ERG 132, packing details and concentration from shipping papers and SDS before final tactical decisions.
Storage & handling: Store tightly closed in a cool, ventilated area away from acids, oxidizers, heat and ignition sources.
UN 2686 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2686
- Corrosive organic amine; liquid can burn and release irritating, toxic smoke in fire.
- Vapors may form flammable mixtures and can travel to ignition sources before flashing back.
- Contact may cause serious skin and eye burns; inhalation can irritate the respiratory tract.
- Heavier-than-air vapors may collect in low or confined spaces.
- Runoff may be corrosive and may spread contamination into drains or waterways.
- Containers exposed to heat may rupture or release pressure.
- Mixing with acids or incompatible oxidizers can create heat and hazardous vapors.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear colorless to pale yellow hygroscopic liquid with a fishy or ammonia-like odor; miscible with water and heavier vapor than air.
| Also known as | DiethylethanolamineDEAEN,N-Diethylethanolamine2-(Diethylamino)ethanolDiethylaminoethanolβ-Diethylaminoethyl alcohol |
| CAS Number | 100-37-8 |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid with an ammonia-like or fishy odor. Hygroscopic and miscible with water. |
| Flash Point | 57C (135F) |
| Boiling Point | 161-163C (322-325F) |
| Vapor Density | 4.03 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Miscible with water; no violent reaction but generates heat on dilution |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2686
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA with chemical-resistant suit, gloves, boots and face protection. Upgrade protection when vapor concentration or skin exposure risk is unknown.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2686 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number shown on shipping papers or container documents.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish an initial isolation perimeter.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream; avoid low areas where vapors or runoff may collect.
- Avoid breathing vapors, dust, smoke or mist and prevent skin and eye contact.
- Eliminate ignition sources, stop traffic through vapor areas and keep product out of drains and sewers.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without appropriate chemical PPE.
- Ventilate confined spaces only when personnel are trained, monitored and properly equipped.
- Use ERG guidance, SDS, shipping papers and air monitoring before committing crews.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2686 — 2-DiethylaminoethanolUse 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.