☣️ UN 3431 • CLASS 6
UN 3431 — Nitrobenzotrifluorides, solid
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 152. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
🚒☣️
⚠️ Verification required:
Broad or variable material category; verify exact product, SDS and shipping papers.
⚠️ This page is a quick-reference aid. For real incidents: stage upwind, isolate, deny entry, request Hazmat early, and consult the current ERG + SOP/SOG.
UN 3431 is Nitrobenzotrifluorides, solid, a toxic nitroaromatic solid used as a chemical intermediate. It should be handled as a poisonous solid with potential toxic decomposition products during fire.
Hazard overview: UN 3431 may be harmful or fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin, depending on the specific isomer and formulation. Dust exposure can irritate the respiratory tract and fire can produce toxic nitrogen oxides, fluorinated gases and corrosive smoke.
Response guidance: For UN 3431, isolate the spill, avoid dust generation and keep the material away from ignition sources. Use dry chemical, CO2 or appropriate foam for surrounding fires, and cool containers from a safe distance while preventing runoff contamination.
Advertisement
UN 3431 Quick Details
UN 3431
Product name: Nitrobenzotrifluorides, solid
DOT Class: 6
Placard type: Toxic
ERG Guide: 152 (check current ERG)
Initial isolation: ERG 152: isolate 25m minimum initially; if fire or large spill, isolate 800m downwind, evacuate 1600m if tank/rail car involved
Common Hazards of UN 3431
- Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
- Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes.
- Avoid any skin contact.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause environmental
- Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily.
- Containers may explode when heated.
- Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
UN 3431 is generally a solid nitroaromatic material that may appear crystalline, powdery or granular. Color and odor vary by isomer and purity.
| Also known as | TrifluoronitrobenzeneNitrotrifluorobenzeneNBTFFluorinated nitrobenzene isomers |
| Appearance | Pale yellow to amber crystalline solid at room temperature. Aromatic odor characteristic of nitro compounds. May be shipped as molten liquid. |
| Flash Point | 103-110C (217-230F) depending on isomer |
| Boiling Point | 200-220C (392-428F) depending on isomer position |
| Vapor Density | 6.5-7.0 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but insoluble and will form separate layer |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3431
Extinguishing Media
Alcohol-resistant foam, CO2, dry chemical, water spray for cooling only
PPE Requirements
⚠️ Level A minimum for spills; full encapsulation required; SCBA mandatory; chemically resistant suit; avoid all skin contact with solid or molten material
Use SCBA and chemical-resistant protective clothing with gloves, boots and eye protection. Level B is appropriate for many spills; upgrade protection if dust, vapor or fire involvement is significant.
Isolation & Evacuation
ERG 152: isolate 25m minimum initially; if fire or large spill, isolate 800m downwind, evacuate 1600m if tank/rail car involved
Always confirm protective actions with the current edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG Guide 152).
First Actions for a UN 3431 Incident
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
- 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
Advertisement
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3431 — Nitrobenzotrifluorides, solidHAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 3431
Product: Nitrobenzotrifluorides, solid
Class 6 / Toxic / ERG 152
PPE: Level A minimum for spills; full encapsulation required; SCBA mandatory; chemically resistant suit; avoid all skin contact with solid or molten material
ISOLATION: ERG 152: isolate 25m minimum initially; if fire or large spill, isolate 800m downwind, evacuate 1600m if tank/rail car involved
ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO
Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING ===
UN 3431 — Nitrobenzotrifluorides, solid
Class: 6 | Placard: Toxic | ERG Guide: 152
Appearance: Pale yellow to amber crystalline solid at room temperature. Aromatic odor characteristic of nitro compounds. May be shipped as molten liquid.
Water Reactivity: No significant reaction with water, but insoluble and will form separate layer
Extinguishing: Alcohol-resistant foam, CO2, dry chemical, water spray for cooling only
PPE: Level A minimum for spills; full encapsulation required; SCBA mandatory; chemically resistant suit; avoid all skin contact with solid or molten material
Isolation: ERG 152: isolate 25m minimum initially; if fire or large spill, isolate 800m downwind, evacuate 1600m if tank/rail car involved
— Key Hazards —
• Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.
• Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes.
• Avoid any skin contact.
— First Actions —
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
• For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/nitrobenzotrifluorides-solid-un-3431 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
UN3431 Nitrobenzotrifluorides, solid Cls6 ERG152 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/nitrobenzotrifluorides-solid-un-3431SMS / 160 CHAR
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.
⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/nitrobenzotrifluorides-solid-un-3431
Advertisement
Frequently Asked Questions about UN 3431
UN 3431 is Nitrobenzotrifluorides, solid. It should be identified from shipping papers, markings and the SDS before responders work near the release.
ERG Guide 152 applies to UN 3431 for initial isolation, protective actions and first-response guidance.
UN 3431 is not primarily classified as flammable, but fire may produce toxic or corrosive gases and containers may become dangerous when heated.
Use SCBA and chemical-resistant protective clothing with gloves, boots and eye protection. Level B is appropriate for many spills; upgrade protection if dust, vapor or fire involvement is significant.
Sources (high level): DOT/PHMSA marking & class concepts + ERG usage principles.
This page does not reproduce ERG guide text—always consult the current ERG for incident-specific protective actions.