UN 1222 — Isopropyl nitrate
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 130. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1222 is Isopropyl nitrate, a reactive Class 3 flammable liquid assigned to ERG Guide 130. Heat, fire or contamination can add decomposition hazards beyond ordinary solvent vapor fire behavior.
Hazard overview: UN 1222 presents flammable vapor, flashback and heat-sensitive decomposition hazards. Fire may produce toxic nitrogen oxide fumes, so responders should control ignition sources and avoid unnecessary container disturbance.
Response guidance: For a UN 1222 incident, responders should confirm the product using shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 130. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind and uphill, remove ignition sources when safe, keep vapors or runoff out of sewers and use compatible fire-control agents from a protected position.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1222 should emphasize flammable liquid vapor travel, flashback, sewer vapor explosion risk, foam compatibility, container cooling and atmospheric monitoring. Common errors include standing downwind, allowing runoff into drains and ignoring low-area vapor collection. Use ERG 130, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Isopropyl nitrate is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Transportation, workplace exposure, spill reporting, waste handling, storage and environmental requirements may vary by formulation, quantity and jurisdiction. Verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, facility documents and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Isopropyl nitrate should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated flammable-liquid storage area. Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, oxidizers and incompatible materials, with bonding/grounding, secondary containment and drain protection where required.
UN 1222 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1222
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE and potentially reactive liquid; vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
- Vapors may travel to an ignition source and flash back.
- Organic nitrate/nitrite materials may decompose or react dangerously when heated, contaminated or confined.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may collect in low or confined areas.
- Fire may produce irritating or toxic nitrogen oxide fumes.
- Runoff to sewer may create fire, explosion or environmental hazards.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a sweet, ethereal odor. Volatile and highly flammable at room temperature.
| Also known as | 2-Propyl nitrateNitric acid isopropyl esterIsopropanol nitrateIPN |
| CAS Number | 1712-64-7 |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a sweet, ethereal odor. Volatile and highly flammable at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | -9C (16F) |
| Boiling Point | 102C (216F) |
| Vapor Density | 3.7 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Slightly soluble in water; no violent reaction but may hydrolyze slowly |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1222
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for fire, heavy vapor or confined-space exposure. Chemical-resistant gloves, splash protection and protective clothing should be selected using SDS, product concentration and incident command.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1222 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.
- Eliminate ignition sources if it is safe to do so.
- Do not touch or walk through spilled liquid unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped and authorized by incident command.
- Isolate the spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
- For large spills, fire involvement or strong vapor movement, expand isolation and consider downwind evacuation based on monitoring and incident command.
- Use ERG Guide 130, shipping papers, SDS and local SOP for protective actions and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1222 — Isopropyl nitrateUse 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.