UN 1222 — Isopropyl nitrate
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 130. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Isopropyl nitrate is a highly volatile and flammable liquid with a sweet, ethereal odor. It is easily ignited by heat, sparks, or flames, and its vapors can form explosive mixtures with air.
Hazard overview: Isopropyl nitrate is highly flammable and can be ignited by heat, sparks, or flames, and its vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Prolonged exposure to its vapors can also be hazardous to human health.
Response guidance: In case of a spill or leak, evacuate the area immediately and isolate the spill to prevent ignition. Emergency responders should wear Level B minimum protective equipment, including SCBA and full face protection, to prevent exposure to volatile vapors.
UN 1222 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1222
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
- Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
- Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas
- Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers.
- Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
- Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard.
- Containers may explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Isopropyl nitrate is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a sweet, ethereal odor, and it is highly volatile and 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
Emergency responders should wear Level B minimum protective equipment, including SCBA and full face protection, to prevent exposure to volatile vapors and low flash point.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1222 Incident
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
- Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).
📋 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.