UN/NA Number Reference
DOT Class 6.1 Toxic Substance placard

UN 1891: Ethyl bromide

49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table·ERG 2024

DOT Classification and Shipping

UN 1891 is assigned the proper shipping name Ethyl bromide in the U.S. DOT Hazardous Materials Table (49 CFR 172.101). It is classified as a Class 6.1 Toxic Substance material, Packing Group II. Required label(s): 6.1.

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 160)

Hazards: Non-flammable in most cases. Toxic by inhalation. Vapors heavier than air. Decomposes in fire producing toxic gases including phosgene.

Fire: Use water spray, dry chemical, CO2, foam.

Spill: Ventilate area. Absorb with earth/sand. Prevent runoff to waterways.

Chemical and Physical Properties

Ethyl bromide appears as a colorless volatile liquid. Slightly soluble in water and denser than water. Flash point below 0 °F. Vapors are heavier than air. Toxic by inhalation. Irritates skin and eyes. Used to make pharmaceuticals and as a solvent.

CAS Number: 74-96-4
Molecular Formula: C2H5Br
Molecular Weight: 108.97 g/mol
Color / Form: Liquid
Odor: ... Ether-like odor
Boiling Point: 101.1 F
Melting Point: -182 °F (NTP, 1992)
Flash Point: -10 F
Autoignition: 952 °F (NTP, 1992)
Specific Gravity: 1.46 (sinks in water)
Vapor Pressure: 375 mmHg at 68 F
Vapor Density: 3.76 (heavier than air)
Water Solubility: less than 1 mg/mL at 61 F
Log P: log Kow = 1.61

Regulatory Data

OSHA PEL
TWA 200 ppm (890 mg/m 3 )
NIOSH REL
See Appendix D
IDLH
2000 ppm

Special Provisions

49 CFR 172.102 special provision codes for this entry: IB2, IP8, T7, TP2, TP13. 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 1891 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.