In the world of chemicals, some substances play pivotal roles in various industrial applications. Carbohydrazide, often an unsung hero, is one such compound that serves multiple purposes, from oxygen scrubbing to corrosion control. In this blog post, we’ll explore the properties, uses, health risks, and importance of proper monitoring of carbohydrazide.
The Chemical Identity
Carbohydrazide goes by various names, including carbonic dihydrazide, 1,3-diaminourea, carbazide, and carbonohydrazide. Its chemical formula is CH6N4O, with a CAS number of 497-18-7.
Industrial Uses
- Oxygen Scrubber: Carbohydrazide plays a crucial role in water treatment systems as an oxygen scrubber. By removing excess oxygen, it helps control corrosion and ensures the water treatment process runs smoothly.
- Curing Agent: It’s used as a curing agent for epoxide-type resins, a common material in the production of various plastics, adhesives, and coatings.
- Stabilizing Soaps: Carbohydrazide finds its place in soap production as a stabilizing agent.
- Reagent in Organic Synthesis: It’s employed as a reagent in organic synthesis, helping chemists create a wide range of compounds.
- Ammunition Propellants: Carbohydrazide is used in the development of ammunition propellants, contributing to the safety and reliability of these critical materials.
A Safer Alternative to Hydrazine
One notable attribute of carbohydrazide is its safety compared to hydrazine, a similar compound. Carbohydrazide reacts with oxygen at low temperatures and pressures, producing volatile products. It also has passivating effects on metal surfaces, contributing to corrosion control. These characteristics make it a safer and more practical choice in many applications.
Carbohydrazide Exposure and Health Risks
While carbohydrazide offers numerous benefits, it’s not without its risks. Exposure to carbohydrazide can lead to health problems, including skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation. Contact with the skin can even trigger allergic reactions. Ingesting carbohydrazide is a severe health risk, as it is toxic when swallowed. Additionally, carbohydrazide can be very toxic to aquatic organisms, making its release into the environment a concern.
Regulations
Despite the potential health and environmental risks, there are currently no listed regulations or restrictions for carbohydrazide levels in water. This highlights the need for careful handling and monitoring of this substance to prevent adverse effects.
The Importance of Proper Monitoring
Given the diverse applications and potential risks associated with carbohydrazide, proper monitoring is essential. Different forms of monitoring, such as fixed mount, handheld devices, dissolved kits, replacement sensors, and calibration gases, are available to help ensure that the levels of carbohydrazide are within safe limits.
All our monitors can be found here: https://www.gas-sensing.com/support/gas-information/carbohydrazide.html
Conclusion
Carbohydrazide, often operating behind the scenes in various industries, is a versatile and essential chemical compound. Its uses span from water treatment and corrosion control to the production of plastics and ammunition. While its benefits are significant, it’s critical to be aware of the associated health risks and to ensure proper monitoring and handling to protect both human health and the environment. Understanding the properties and applications of carbohydrazide is the first step in using this valuable tool safely and effectively.
