UN 2259 — Triethylenetetramine
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 153. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2259 is Triethylenetetramine, a toxic corrosive amine assigned to ERG Guide 153. It can cause chemical burns, systemic exposure and toxic/corrosive runoff.
Hazard overview: TOXIC and CORROSIVE amine liquid; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact may cause severe injury. Skin and eye contact can cause burns; contaminated clothing can prolong exposure. Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily.
Response guidance: For a UN 2259 incident, verify the product with shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 153. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, control ignition or incompatibility hazards, prevent runoff, dust or vapor spread and base entry/fire-control actions on monitoring and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2259 should emphasize toxic skin/vapor/dust exposure, contaminated clothing, toxic fire products, decontamination waste and runoff containment. Use ERG 153, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Triethylenetetramine is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Storage, workplace exposure, emergency planning, spill reporting, waste handling and environmental requirements vary by exact product, concentration, quantity and jurisdiction. Verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, container markings and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Triethylenetetramine should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a secure toxic/corrosive-material area with secondary containment, restricted access, ventilation and waste/decontamination planning according to SDS.
UN 2259 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2259
- TOXIC and CORROSIVE amine liquid; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact may cause severe injury.
- Skin and eye contact can cause burns; contaminated clothing can prolong exposure.
- Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily.
- Mixing with water can generate heat and spread alkaline contamination.
- Fire may produce nitrogen oxides and irritating/toxic smoke.
- Runoff may be alkaline, toxic, corrosive and environmentally harmful.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear to pale yellow viscous liquid with an ammonia-like or fishy odor at room temperature. Hygroscopic and becomes darker upon exposure to air.
| Also known as | TETA1,4,7,10-Tetraazadecane3,6-Diazaoctane-1,8-diamineTrientineN,N'-bis(2-aminoethyl)ethylenediamine |
| CAS Number | 112-24-3 |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow viscous liquid with an ammonia-like or fishy odor at room temperature. Hygroscopic and becomes darker upon exposure to air. |
| Flash Point | 135°C (275°F) |
| Boiling Point | 266-267°C (511-513°F) |
| Vapor Density | 2.0 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Miscible with water; no violent reaction but generates heat upon dilution |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2259
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, dust, mist, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, boots, eye/face protection and protective clothing selected from SDS; avoid all skin contact.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2259 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, dust, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Prevent contaminated dust, liquid, residues, runoff and decontamination waste from spreading.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped, monitored and authorized by incident command.
- Isolate the spill or release area and expand the perimeter for fire involvement, vapor spread, dust generation, water reaction or unknown product identity.
- Use ERG Guide 153, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2259 — TriethylenetetramineUse 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.