Hydrazine and Its Derivatives

Abstract Hydrazine (diamide), N 2 H 4 , a colorless liquid having an ammoniacal odor, is the simplest diamine and unique in its class because of the N—N bond. Hydrazine and its simple methyl and dimethyl derivatives have endothermic heats of formation and high heats of combustion. Hence these compounds are used as rocket fuels. Other derivatives are used as gas generators and explosives. Hydrazine, a base slightly weaker than ammonia, forms a series of useful salts. As a strong reducing agent, hydrazine is used for corrosion control in boilers and hot‐water heating systems; also for metal plating, reduction of noble‐metal catalysts, and hydrogenation of unsaturated bonds in organic compounds. Hydrazine is also an oxidizing agent under suitable conditions. Having two active nucleophilic nitrogens and four replaceable hydrogens, hydrazine is the starting material for many derivatives, among them foaming agents for plastics, antioxidants, polymers, polymer cross‐linkers and chain‐extenders, as well as fungicides, herbicides, plant‐growth regulators, and pharmaceuticals. Hydrazine is also a good ligand; numerous complexes have been studied. Many heterocyclics are based on hydrazine, where the rings contain from one to four nitrogen atoms as well as other heteroatoms. The many advantageous properties of hydrazine assure continued‐commercial utility. Hydrazine is available in anhydrous form as well as aqueous solutions, typically 35, 51.2, 54.4, and 64 wt % N 2 H 4 (54.7, 80, 85, and 100% hydrazine hydrate). The commercially feasible processes involve partial oxidation of ammonia (or urea) using hypochlorite or hydrogen peroxide. Most hydrazine is produced by some variation of the Raschig process, which is based on the oxidation of ammonia using alkaline hypochlorite. Hydrazine is toxic and readily absorbed by oral, dermal, or inhalation routes of exposure.