UN 2404 — Propionitrile
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 131. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2404 At a Glance
UN 2404 (Propionitrile) is listed as DOT Class 3 Flammable and is assigned to ERG Guide 131. Use this page to review placard data, common hazards, PPE notes, isolation context, first actions, and related UN numbers.
UN 2404 is Propionitrile, a toxic flammable nitrile assigned to ERG Guide 131. Skin absorption and cyanide-type fire products require strict controls.
Hazard overview: TOXIC and FLAMMABLE nitrile liquid; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may cause severe injury. Vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air. Fire may produce hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides and other toxic gases.
Response guidance: For UN 2404, isolate the area, eliminate ignition sources, keep vapors out of drains and use SCBA in vapor or fire conditions. Cool containers from a protected distance and choose foam, dry chemical or CO2 using SDS and ERG 131.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2404 should emphasize toxic/corrosive exposure, SCBA use, skin-contact prevention, sewer flashback, decontamination, runoff control and foam selection. Use ERG 131, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Propionitrile 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: Propionitrile should be stored in approved flammable/toxic or corrosive-liquid containers with ventilation, secondary containment and separation from heat, ignition sources, oxidizers and incompatible materials.
UN 2404 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2404
- TOXIC and FLAMMABLE nitrile liquid; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may cause severe injury.
- Vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air.
- Fire may produce hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides and other toxic gases.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to ignition sources and flash back.
- Skin contact and contaminated clothing can extend exposure.
- Runoff to sewers may create fire, explosion and toxic contamination hazards.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless liquid with a sweet, ethereal odor. Highly flammable and volatile at room temperature.
| Also known as | Ethyl cyanidePropanenitrilePropionic nitrileCyanoethane |
| CAS Number | 107-12-0 |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid with a sweet, ethereal odor. Highly flammable and volatile at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | -6C (20F) |
| Boiling Point | 97C (207F) |
| Vapor Density | 1.9 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Slightly soluble in water; no violent reaction but may hydrolyze slowly |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2404
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; avoid skin contact.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2404 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; keep responders out of low vapor areas.
- Eliminate ignition sources if this can be done safely.
- Avoid breathing vapor, mist or smoke and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Prevent toxic, alkaline or corrosive runoff from entering drains and waterways.
- 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 131, SDS, shipping papers and air monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2404 — PropionitrileUse 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.