UN/NA Number Reference

UN 2214: Phthalic anhydride

49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table·ERG 2024

DOT Classification and Shipping

UN 2214 is assigned the proper shipping name Phthalic anhydride in the U.S. DOT Hazardous Materials Table (49 CFR 172.101). It is classified as a Class 8 Corrosive material, Packing Group III. Required label(s): 8.

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 156)

Hazards: TOXIC or CORROSIVE. FLAMMABLE. Vapors may travel to ignition source.

Fire: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, CO2. Water spray for cooling only.

Spill: Eliminate ignition sources. Do not touch. Ventilate area.

Chemical and Physical Properties

Phthalic anhydride appears as a colorless to white lustrous solid in the form of needles with a mild distinctive odor. Moderately toxic by inhalation or ingestion and a skin irritant. Melting point 64 °F Flash point 305 °F. Forms a corrosive solution when mixed with water. Used in the manufacture of materials such as artificial resins.

CAS Number: 85-44-9

Molecular Formula: C8H4O3

Molecular Weight: 148.11 g/mol

Color / Form: White, lustrous needles

Odor: Mild

Boiling Point: 563 F

Melting Point: 267.4 °F (NTP, 1992)

Flash Point: 305 F

Autoignition: 1058 °F (USCG, 1999)

Specific Gravity: 1.2 (sinks in water)

Vapor Pressure: 0.0002 mmHg at 68 F

Vapor Density: 5.1 (heavier than air)

Water Solubility: Decomposes

Log P: log Kow = 1.60

Regulatory Data

CERCLA RQ (40 CFR 302.4)

5000 lb

OSHA PEL

TWA 12 mg/m 3 (2 ppm)

NIOSH REL

TWA 6 mg/m 3 (1 ppm)

IDLH

60 mg/m 3

RCRA Waste Code(s)

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A release of this material at or above its CERCLA reportable quantity (5000 lb) requires immediate notification to the National Response Center at 800-424-8802.

Special Provisions

49 CFR 172.102 special provision codes for this entry: IB8, IP3, T1, 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 2214 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.