UN 0075 — Diethyleneglycol dinitrate, desensitized
Placard: Explosive 1.1D. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0075, Diethyleneglycol dinitrate (DEGN) desensitized, is a Class 1 explosive liquid placarded as Explosive 1.1D, indicating a mass explosion hazard. This desensitized formulation contains phlegmatizing agents to reduce sensitivity, but it remains capable of simultaneous full-load detonation under adverse conditions.
Hazard overview: UN 0075 presents a mass explosion hazard in which the entire load may detonate simultaneously, producing severe blast overpressure and fragmentation. The material is sensitive to heat, shock, and friction, making any ignition source or mechanical disturbance in its vicinity extremely dangerous.
Response guidance: Per ERG Guide 112, isolate the incident area a minimum of 800 meters (0.5 miles) in all directions and evacuate at least 1,600 meters (1 mile) downwind if the material is involved in fire. Do not use water or foam to fight fires involving UN 0075, as these agents may spread the material; apply dry chemical or sand only from a safe standoff distance.
UN 0075 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0075
- Mass explosion hazard — entire load may detonate simultaneously.
- Severe blast overpressure and fragmentation.
- Sensitive to heat, shock, and friction.
- Secondary fire and debris hazard.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Diethyleneglycol dinitrate desensitized is a colorless to pale yellow oily liquid with a weak, sweet odor, rendered less shock-sensitive by incorporated phlegmatizing agents.
| Also known as | DEGNDiglycol dinitrate2,2'-Oxybis(ethanol) dinitrateDiethylene glycol dinitrate desensitizedNitroglycol dinitrate |
| CAS Number | 693-21-0 |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow oily liquid with a weak, sweet odor. Desensitized formulation contains phlegmatizing agents to reduce sensitivity. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive liquid) |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes at approximately 159C (318F) before boiling |
| Vapor Density | 2.4 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Slightly soluble in water; no violent reaction but contamination may affect stability |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0075
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Responders must don Level A chemical protective suits with SCBA and full explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) protective gear, while strictly eliminating all sources of static, friction, and shock.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0075 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper.
- Establish large isolation zone — minimum 500 meters in all directions.
- Stage upwind, uphill; limit personnel to essential responders only.
- Request Hazmat + law enforcement + additional resources immediately.
- Do not fight fire — evacuate and isolate; let burn if no life safety risk.
- Protect exposures only if safe and directed by command.
- Consult current ERG Guide 112 and follow SOP/SOG.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 0075 — Diethyleneglycol dinitrate, desensitizedUse 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.