UN/NA Number Reference
DOT Class 1.1D Explosive placard

UN 154: Trinitrophenol (picric acid), dry

49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table·ERG 2024

DOT Classification and Shipping

UN 154 is assigned the proper shipping name Trinitrophenol (picric acid), dry in the U.S. DOT Hazardous Materials Table (49 CFR 172.101). It is classified as a Class 1.1D Explosive material. Required label(s): 1.1.

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 112)

Hazards: May explode or be projected if heated. Fragments may travel great distances. Fire may produce irritating or toxic gases.

Fire: DO NOT fight fire when it reaches cargo. Evacuate area and let burn. Fight fire from maximum distance.

Spill: Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Isolate spill area immediately.

Chemical and Physical Properties

Picric acid, [dry] appears as yellow crystals. An explosive. Specific gravity 1.767. Melting point 251.2 °F (121.8 °C). Explodes at 572 °F. Toxic by ingestion.

CAS Number: 88-89-1
Molecular Formula: C6H3N3O7
Molecular Weight: 229.10 g/mol
Color / Form: Pale yellow crystals
Odor: Odorless
Boiling Point: 572 F
Melting Point: 252 °F (NIOSH, 2024)
Flash Point: 302 F
Autoignition: 572 °F (NTP, 1992)
Specific Gravity: 1.76
Vapor Pressure: 1 mmHg
Vapor Density: 7.9 (heavier than air)
Water Solubility: 1 % (NIOSH, 2024)
Log P: log Kow = 1.44

Regulatory Data

CERCLA RQ (40 CFR 302.4)
1 lb
OSHA PEL
TWA 0.1 mg/m 3 [skin]
NIOSH REL
TWA 0.1 mg/m 3 ST 0.3 mg/m 3 [skin]
IDLH
75 mg/m 3

A release of this material at or above its CERCLA reportable quantity (1 lb) requires immediate notification to the National Response Center at 800-424-8802.

Need the full interactive record? Open UN 154 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.