UN/NA Number Reference
DOT Class 8 Corrosive placard

UN 2829: Caproic acid

49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table·ERG 2024

DOT Classification and Shipping

UN 2829 is assigned the proper shipping name Caproic acid 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 153)

Hazards: TOXIC. Combustible. Corrosive. Causes burns. Toxic fumes when heated.

Fire: Small: dry chemical, CO2, water spray. Large: water spray, foam.

Spill: Do not touch. Stop leak if safe. Use water spray to reduce vapor.

Chemical and Physical Properties

Caproic acid appears as a white crystalline solid or colorless to light yellow solution with an unpleasant odor. Insoluble to slightly soluble in water and less dense than water. Contact may severely irritate skin, eyes and mucous membranes. May be toxic by ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption. Used to make perfumes.

CAS Number: 142-62-1
Molecular Formula: C6H12O2
Molecular Weight: 116.16 g/mol
Color / Form: Oily liquid
Odor: Characteristic goat-like odor
Boiling Point: 396 to 397 F
Melting Point: 27 °F (NTP, 1992)
Flash Point: 220 F
Autoignition: 716 °F (NTP, 1992)
Specific Gravity: 0.927 (floats on water)
Vapor Pressure: 0.2 mmHg at 68 F
Vapor Density: 4.01 (heavier than air)
Water Solubility: 5 to 10 mg/mL at 72 F
Log P: log Kow = 1.92

Special Provisions

49 CFR 172.102 special provision codes for this entry: IB3, T4, TP1. 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 2829 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.