UN 1994 — Iron pentacarbonyl
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 136. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1994 is Iron pentacarbonyl, a highly toxic flammable metal carbonyl liquid assigned to ERG Guide 136. Vapor exposure, skin contact and toxic decomposition products are major concerns.
Hazard overview: HIGHLY TOXIC and FLAMMABLE liquid; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may be fatal. Vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air. Decomposition or fire can release carbon monoxide and iron oxide fumes.
Response guidance: For a UN 1994 incident, verify the product with shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 136. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, control ignition or downwind hazards, cool exposed containers from a protected distance when appropriate and base entry decisions on monitoring and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1994 should emphasize flammable vapor travel, toxic exposure routes, skin absorption, foam selection, decontamination and runoff control. Use ERG 136, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Iron pentacarbonyl is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Storage, workplace exposure, emergency planning, spill reporting and waste handling requirements vary by exact product, concentration, quantity and jurisdiction. Verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, container markings and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Iron pentacarbonyl should be stored in approved flammable/toxic-liquid containers with ventilation, bonding/grounding where required, spill containment and separation from heat, ignition sources, oxidizers and incompatible materials.
UN 1994 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1994
- HIGHLY TOXIC and FLAMMABLE liquid; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may be fatal.
- Vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air.
- Decomposition or fire can release carbon monoxide and iron oxide fumes.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may collect in low or confined areas.
- Skin contact and contaminated clothing can extend exposure.
- Runoff may carry toxic metal carbonyl contamination.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear to yellow or amber oily liquid with a musty odor. Pyrophoric - ignites spontaneously in air at room temperature.
| Also known as | Iron carbonylPentacarbonylironIron pentacarbonylCarbonyl iron |
| CAS Number | 13463-40-6 |
| Appearance | Clear to yellow or amber oily liquid with a musty odor. Pyrophoric - ignites spontaneously in air at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | -20C (-4F) |
| Boiling Point | 103C (217F) |
| Vapor Density | 6.8 (much heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Decomposes slowly in water, releasing carbon monoxide gas |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1994
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Chemical-resistant suit, gloves, boots and eye/face protection should be selected from SDS; avoid all skin contact.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1994 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call the emergency response telephone number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Avoid breathing vapors, gas, smoke, mist or dust and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Eliminate ignition sources if safe and keep vapors and runoff out of drains, sewers, basements and low areas.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled/released material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped, monitored and authorized by incident command.
- Isolate the release or spill area and expand the perimeter for fire involvement, vapor accumulation, cylinder/tank heating or unknown product identity.
- Use ERG Guide 136, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1994 — Iron pentacarbonylUse 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.