UN/NA Number Reference
DOT Class 5.1 Oxidizer placard

UN 1461: Chlorates, inorganic, n.o.s.

49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table·ERG 2024

DOT Classification and Shipping

UN 1461 is assigned the proper shipping name Chlorates, inorganic, n.o.s. in the U.S. DOT Hazardous Materials Table (49 CFR 172.101). It is classified as a Class 5.1 Oxidizer material, Packing Group II. Required label(s): 5.1.

Packing group indicates the degree of danger within a hazard class: PG I is high danger, PG II medium, PG III low. The proper shipping name, hazard class, UN number, and packing group together form the basic shipping description that must appear on shipping papers and, where required, on the package and placard.

Emergency Response (ERG Guide 140)

Hazards: May cause fire or explosion. May accelerate burning. May explode from heat or contamination.

Fire: Use flooding water. Cool containers. Do not use dry chemical on large fires (ineffective).

Spill: Keep combustibles away. Do not touch. Use water spray to reduce dust.

Chemical and Physical Properties

Potassium chlorate appears as a white crystalline solid. Forms a very flammable mixture with combustible materials. Mixture may be explosive if combustible material is very finely divided. Mixture may be ignited by friction. Contact with strong sulfuric acid may cause fires or explosions. May spontaneously decompose and ignite when mixed with ammonium salts. May explode under prolonged exposure to heat or fire. Used to make matches, paper, explosives, and many other uses.

CAS Number: 3811-04-9
Molecular Formula: ClKO3
Molecular Weight: 122.55 g/mol
Color / Form: Colorless, lustrous crystals or white granules or powder
Boiling Point: Decomposes at 752°F (400°C)
Melting Point: 680 °F (USCG, 1999)
Specific Gravity: 2.32 (solid)
Water Solubility: Soluble

Special Provisions

49 CFR 172.102 special provision codes for this entry: 351, A9, IB6, IP2, N34, T3, TP33. These codes modify the general requirements (packaging, quantity limits, exceptions) for this specific material. Look up each code in 49 CFR 172.102 for the full text.

Need the full interactive record? Open UN 1461 in the SpillNerd lookup tool for the live database entry with placard graphics, GHS pictograms, full segregation tables, and synonym search. For another material, use the UN number and chemical lookup.

Reference data compiled from the DOT Hazardous Materials Table (49 CFR 172.101), the 2024 Emergency Response Guidebook, and public chemical databases (PubChem, NIOSH, EPA). Always verify the correct shipping description against the current regulation and the manufacturer's SDS Section 14 before shipping.