UN 2608 — Nitropropanes
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 129. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2608 is Nitropropanes, a flammable nitroalkane isomer entry assigned to ERG Guide 129. Exact isomer and SDS affect toxicity and flash point.
Hazard overview: FLAMMABLE nitroalkane liquid; vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to ignition sources and flash back. Inhalation may cause toxic effects; exact toxicity varies by isomer and product grade.
Response guidance: For UN 2608, isolate the area, eliminate ignition sources when flammable vapors are present and use SCBA. Keep vapors out of drains, cool containers from protection and select foam/dry chemical/CO2 from SDS and ERG 129.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2608 should emphasize vapor travel, sewer flashback, foam selection, ignition control, SCBA use, decontamination, container cooling and runoff containment. Use ERG 129, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Nitropropanes is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, exposure, spill reporting, waste and fire-code duties depend on quantity, concentration and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and local authority requirements.
Storage & handling: Nitropropanes should be stored in approved compatible containers with ventilation, secondary containment and separation from heat, ignition sources, oxidizers and incompatible materials according to SDS.
UN 2608 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2608
- FLAMMABLE nitroalkane liquid; vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to ignition sources and flash back.
- Inhalation may cause toxic effects; exact toxicity varies by isomer and product grade.
- Liquid is relatively insoluble and may form a separate layer, spreading contamination.
- Runoff to sewers may create fire, explosion and toxic contamination hazards.
- Heating or fire may produce nitrogen oxides and irritating/toxic smoke.
- Exact isomer, concentration and inhibitor status should be verified from SDS.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear to pale yellow liquid with a mild, fruity odor. Denser than water and relatively insoluble in water.
| Also known as | 1-Nitropropane2-NitropropanePropane, nitro-Nitropropane mixture |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow liquid with a mild, fruity odor. Denser than water and relatively insoluble in water. |
| Flash Point | 36C (96F) for 1-nitropropane; 24C (75F) for 2-nitropropane |
| Boiling Point | 131C (268F) for 1-nitropropane; 120C (248F) for 2-nitropropane |
| Vapor Density | 3.1 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; insoluble but stable |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2608
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, boots, eye/face protection and protective clothing.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2608 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish incident command.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream.
- Eliminate ignition sources if this can be done safely.
- Avoid breathing vapor, dust, gas, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 129, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2608 — NitropropanesUse 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.