UN 1221 — Isopropylamine
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 132. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Isopropylamine is a colorless liquid with a strong ammonia-like or fishy odor, commonly used as a solvent and cleaning agent. It is highly volatile and flammable at room temperature, making it a significant fire hazard if not handled properly.
Hazard overview: Isopropylamine is flammable and can be ignited by heat, sparks, or flames, and its vapors can cause respiratory irritation and other health issues. It also has corrosive properties, which can cause skin and eye irritation.
Response guidance: In case of a spill, evacuate the area immediately and use alcohol-resistant foam or other recommended extinguishing agents to prevent the fire from spreading. Emergency responders should wear Level B minimum protective equipment with SCBA and chemical-resistant gloves and suit due to its corrosive properties.
UN 1221 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1221
- Flammable/combustible material.
- May be 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.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Isopropylamine is a colorless liquid with a strong ammonia-like or fishy odor, volatile and highly flammable at room temperature.
| Also known as | 2-Aminopropane2-PropanamineMonoisopropylamineiso-PropylamineMIPA |
| CAS Number | 75-31-0 |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid with a strong ammonia-like or fishy odor. Volatile and highly flammable at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | -37°C (-35°F) |
| Boiling Point | 32-34°C (90-93°F) |
| Vapor Density | 2.0 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble in water; no violent reaction but forms alkaline solution |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1221
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Emergency responders should wear Level B minimum protective equipment with SCBA and chemical-resistant gloves and suit due to its corrosive properties.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1221 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.
- For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
- For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1221 — IsopropylamineUse 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.