UN 0214 — Trinitrobenzene, dry
Placard: Explosive 1.1D. ERG Guide 112. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 0214, Trinitrobenzene (TNB), is a pale yellow to tan crystalline explosive solid classified as a Class 1.1D mass explosion hazard under ERG Guide 112. The 1,3,5-isomer (sym-Trinitrobenzene) is the most commonly encountered form and is extremely sensitive to heat, shock, and friction when dry.
Hazard overview: UN 0214 presents a mass explosion hazard, meaning the entire load may detonate simultaneously, producing severe blast overpressure and fragmentation capable of causing casualties at significant distances. The material is highly sensitive to initiation when dry, making any friction, impact, or heat source an extreme detonation risk.
Response guidance: ERG Guide 112 directs responders to isolate a minimum of 500 meters (1,640 ft) in all directions from any incident involving UN 0214. If fire or large-quantity leaks are present, evacuation must extend to 1,600 meters (1 mile) downwind, and large fires should be fought only by withdrawing all personnel from the area.
UN 0214 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 0214
- Mass explosion hazard — entire load may detonate simultaneously.
- Severe blast overpressure and fragmentation.
- Sensitive to heat, shock, and friction.
- Secondary fire and debris hazard.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
UN 0214 Trinitrobenzene is a pale yellow to tan crystalline solid with no distinct odor, existing as ortho-, meta-, and para-isomers and remaining insoluble in water.
| Also known as | TNB1,3,5-Trinitrobenzenesym-TrinitrobenzeneTrinitrobenzolBenzene trinitrate |
| CAS Number | 99-35-4 |
| Appearance | Pale yellow to tan crystalline solid with no distinct odor. Exists as ortho-, meta-, and para-isomers, with 1,3,5-isomer being most common. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (explosive solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes violently at approximately 315C/599F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Insoluble in water; no significant reaction with water but highly sensitive to initiation when dry |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 0214
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Responders must wear Level A protection with SCBA, and full explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) protective equipment is strongly recommended; the material must only be handled when wet with a minimum of 10% water.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 0214 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper.
- Establish large isolation zone — minimum 500 meters in all directions.
- Stage upwind, uphill; limit personnel to essential responders only.
- Request Hazmat + law enforcement + additional resources immediately.
- Do not fight fire — evacuate and isolate; let burn if no life safety risk.
- Protect exposures only if safe and directed by command.
- Consult current ERG Guide 112 and follow SOP/SOG.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 0214 — Trinitrobenzene, dryUse 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.