UN 1865 — n-Propyl nitrate
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 128. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1865 is n-Propyl nitrate, a Class 3 flammable liquid assigned to ERG Guide 128. Vapors can travel to ignition sources, flash back and create explosion hazards in low areas or sewers.
Hazard overview: UN 1865 presents highly flammable vapor, nitrate ester decomposition, flashback and container explosion hazards. Heat, shock or contamination may increase risk.
Response guidance: For a UN 1865 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 128. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, control ignition or incompatibility hazards, prevent runoff or vapor spread and choose entry/fire-control actions based on monitoring, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1865 should emphasize flammable vapor travel, sewer flashback, foam selection, container cooling, spill containment and ignition control. Use ERG 128, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: n-Propyl 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, concentration, 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: n-Propyl nitrate should be stored in approved flammable-liquid containers or tanks with ventilation, bonding/grounding where required, spill containment and separation from heat, ignition sources, oxidizers and incompatible materials.
UN 1865 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1865
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE nitrate ester liquid; vapors may ignite easily and form explosive mixtures with air.
- Heat, shock, contamination or fire may increase decomposition and explosion risk.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to ignition sources and flash back.
- Vapor explosion hazard exists indoors, outdoors, in sewers and confined spaces.
- Fire may produce toxic nitrogen oxides and irritating smoke.
- Runoff to sewers may create fire or explosion hazards.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a mild ethereal odor. Highly volatile at room temperature.
| Also known as | n-Propyl nitratePropyl nitrate1-Propyl nitrateNitric acid propyl esterPropanol nitrate |
| CAS Number | 627-13-4 |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a mild ethereal odor. Highly volatile at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | -20C (-4F) |
| Boiling Point | 110C (230F) |
| Vapor Density | 3.1 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but may hydrolyze slowly producing nitric acid |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1865
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection, flame-resistant protection as appropriate and PPE selected from SDS.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1865 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, fumes, dust, mist, smoke or gas and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Eliminate ignition sources if safe and keep vapors and runoff out of drains, sewers and low areas.
- Do not touch or walk through spilled 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 spill or leak area and expand the perimeter if vapor, dust, fire involvement, gas accumulation or unknown concentration is present.
- Use ERG Guide 128, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1865 — n-Propyl 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.