UN 2542 — Tributylamine
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 153. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Tributylamine is a fishy-smelling amine liquid shipped as UN 2542. It combines toxic exposure, corrosive contact and combustible liquid concerns.
Hazard overview: Tributylamine can injure by inhalation, ingestion or skin contact. Vapor, mist and liquid are irritating or corrosive, and fire can generate toxic nitrogen oxide fumes.
Response guidance: Isolate the release, keep responders upwind and prevent contact with liquid or runoff. Use alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, CO2 or water spray for fire control and container cooling as conditions permit.
Firefighter training notes: Train responders to treat amine vapors as toxic/corrosive and to avoid splash contact. Include decon planning and runoff control in drills.
Regulatory context: UN 2542 is listed as Tributylamine, toxic/corrosive hazard class information shown on shipping papers. Confirm concentration and packing details before response decisions.
Storage & handling: Store closed in a cool, ventilated area away from acids, oxidizers, heat and ignition sources. Provide secondary containment.
UN 2542 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2542
- Tributylamine is toxic and corrosive; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact can cause serious injury.
- Vapor and mist can irritate or burn eyes, skin and respiratory tract.
- Combustible liquid; heating can produce vapors that may ignite in confined or poorly ventilated areas.
- Fire may produce toxic nitrogen oxides and corrosive smoke.
- Runoff from fire control or spills may be toxic, alkaline and environmentally harmful.
- Containers may rupture when heated.
- Contact with acids may generate heat and irritating vapors.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Tributylamine is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a strong amine or fishy odor. Vapors are heavier than air.
| Also known as | Tri-n-butylamineN,N-Dibutyl-1-butanamineTBATributylamine |
| CAS Number | 102-82-9 |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a strong amine (fishy) odor at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | 63°C (145°F) |
| Boiling Point | 216°C (421°F) |
| Vapor Density | 6.6 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction; slightly soluble in water |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2542
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
SCBA and chemical-resistant protective clothing are needed when vapor or splash exposure is possible. Use gloves, boots and eye/face protection rated for amines.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2542 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping papers.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish an upwind control area.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream of vapor, liquid and runoff.
- Avoid breathing vapor or mist; avoid all skin and eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled liquid without chemical-resistant PPE.
- Ventilate confined spaces only with training, SCBA and atmospheric monitoring.
- Use ERG 153, SDS and shipping papers to confirm protective action distances and decontamination.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2542 — TributylamineUse 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.