Introduction to Hydrazine

Hydrazine , N2H4, a colorless liquid having an ammoniacal odor, is the simplest diamine and unique in its class because of the N-N bond. It was first prepared in 1887 by Curtius as the sulfate salt from diazoacetic ester.

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. 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.