UN 1701 — Xylyl bromide, liquid
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 152. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1701 is Xylyl bromide, liquid, a toxic combustible lachrymator liquid assigned to ERG Guide 152. Vapors can cause severe eye and respiratory irritation, and liquid contact can injure skin.
Hazard overview: UN 1701 presents toxic vapor, lachrymator, combustible liquid and corrosive decomposition hazards. Vapors are heavier than air and runoff may spread irritant contamination.
Response guidance: For a UN 1701 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 152. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, prevent dust, vapor or aerosol exposure, control runoff and choose entry or cleanup actions based on monitoring, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1701 should emphasize toxic exposure routes, air monitoring, PPE selection, decontamination and preventing contaminated runoff. Use ERG 152, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Xylyl bromide, liquid is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Transportation, workplace exposure, spill reporting, waste handling, storage and environmental requirements may vary by formulation, concentration, quantity and jurisdiction. Verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, facility documents and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Xylyl bromide, liquid should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a secure toxic-material area according to SDS and local hazardous materials procedures.
UN 1701 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1701
- TOXIC lachrymator liquid; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may cause severe injury.
- Vapors can cause intense tearing, eye pain and respiratory irritation.
- Combustible liquid: may burn but does not ignite readily.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may collect in low or confined areas.
- Water or moisture may slowly produce hydrogen bromide-type corrosive products.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff may carry toxic and irritating contamination.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a pungent, irritating odor. Lachrymator (tear gas agent). Dense liquid that may be shipped molten.
| Also known as | alpha-bromo-xylenexylene dibromidebromoxylenemethylbenzyl bromidebromomethyltoluene |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a pungent, irritating odor. Lachrymator (tear gas agent). Dense liquid that may be shipped molten. |
| Flash Point | 110-113C (230-235F) depending on isomer |
| Boiling Point | 212-220C (414-428F) depending on isomer |
| Vapor Density | 6.4 (much heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Decomposes slowly in water producing HBr; avoid prolonged contact with moisture |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1701
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection and protective clothing should be selected from SDS; prevent eye, respiratory and skin exposure.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1701 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, fumes, dust, mist, aerosol or smoke and avoid all skin or eye contact.
- Eliminate ignition sources if safe and keep vapors out of drains, sewers and low areas.
- Do not touch or walk through spilled material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Avoid creating dust clouds or spreading contaminated liquid, powder, solution, runoff or debris.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped, monitored and authorized by incident command.
- Isolate the spill or leak area and expand the perimeter if vapor, dust, aerosol, fire involvement or unknown concentration is present.
- Use ERG Guide 152, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1701 — Xylyl bromide, liquidUse 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.