UN 2723 — Magnesium chlorate
Placard: Oxidizer. ERG Guide 140. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2723 At a Glance
UN 2723 (Magnesium chlorate) is listed as DOT Class 5 Oxidizer and is assigned to ERG Guide 140. Use this page to review placard data, common hazards, PPE notes, isolation context, first actions, and related UN numbers.
Magnesium chlorate is an oxidizing chlorate; heat, friction or contamination with organics can create a severe fire or explosion hazard.
Hazard overview: Magnesium chlorate should be treated as an oxidizing solid. It can make ordinary combustibles burn faster and may decompose violently if heated or contaminated.
Response guidance: Isolate the area, eliminate ignition sources and keep combustibles away. Use dry chemical or dry sand for small material fires when appropriate; cool exposed containers from a protected distance with water spray if it can be done safely.
UN 2723 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2723
- Magnesium chlorate is an oxidizer; it can intensify burning even though the material itself is not a fuel.
- Heat, shock, friction or contamination may cause rapid decomposition or explosion.
- Keep away from fuels, oils, paper, wood, clothing and other organic or reducing materials.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated in a fire.
- Dust, solution or decomposition fumes may irritate or injure the eyes, skin and respiratory tract.
- Fire may produce toxic or irritating metal oxide and nitrogen/chlorine oxide fumes.
- Runoff can spread oxidizer contamination and increase fire or environmental hazards.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
White to yellowish crystalline solid, odorless. Hygroscopic, usually exists as hexahydrate form
| Also known as | Magnesium chlorate hexahydrateChloric acid magnesium saltMagnesium dichlorate |
| CAS Number | 10326-21-3 |
| Appearance | White to yellowish crystalline solid, odorless. Hygroscopic, usually exists as hexahydrate form. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (oxidizer) |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes at 120C (248F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble in water, no violent reaction but releases heat |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2723
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA for fire, dust or fume conditions with chemical-resistant clothing, gloves and eye protection; upgrade based on monitoring and SDS.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2723 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number shown on the shipping papers.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and deny entry to the spill or fire area.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream; avoid low areas where vapors or runoff may collect.
- Avoid breathing dust, vapor, mist or smoke; prevent skin and eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without appropriate PPE.
- Ventilate confined spaces only if personnel are trained, equipped and monitored.
- Use the ERG, SDS, shipping papers and air monitoring to set isolation, PPE and tactical decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2723 — Magnesium chlorateUse 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.