Introduction
Hydrazine is a colorless, oily liquid with an ammonia-like odor. It is a highly reactive chemical with a wide range of uses. Hydrazine is a strong reducing agent and is used in a variety of chemical processes, including the production of pharmaceuticals, rocket propellants, and polymer foams.
Chemical Properties
- Chemical formula: N2H4
- Molecular weight: 32.05 g/mol
- Melting point: −1.4 °C (29.5 °F)
- Boiling point: 113.5 °C (236.3 °F)
- Density: 1.01 g/cm3
- Solubility in water: Miscible
- Odor: Pungent, ammonia-like
Uses of Hydrazine
Hydrazine has a wide range of uses due to its unique properties. Some of its most common uses include:
- Pharmaceuticals: Hydrazine is used in the production of a number of pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants.
- Rocket propellant: Hydrazine is a common fuel for rocket engines due to its high energy density.
- Polymer foams: Hydrazine is used as a blowing agent in the production of polymer foams.
- Corrosion inhibitor: Hydrazine is used as a corrosion inhibitor in water boilers and heating systems.
- Oxygen scavenger: Hydrazine is used as an oxygen scavenger in water treatment systems.
Health Risks of Hydrazine Exposure
Hydrazine is a highly toxic chemical and can cause a variety of health problems, including:
- Irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory system
- Dizziness and headaches
- Organ damage
- Cancer
Hydrazine is also a flammable liquid and can form explosive mixtures with air.
Regulations
There are a number of regulations in place to protect workers from exposure to hydrazine. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set a Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for hydrazine of 0.1 ppm. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has recommended an exposure limit of 0.03 ppm for hydrazine.
Measuring Hydrazine Levels
Hydrazine levels in air or water can be measured in units of parts per million (ppm). There are a number of kits available to measure hydrazine levels. These kits typically use a colorimetric method to measure hydrazine levels.
All our Carbon Dioxide monitors can be found here: https://www.gas-sensing.com/information/hydrazine
Conclusion
Hydrazine is a powerful chemical with a wide range of uses. It is important to handle hydrazine with care and to follow the appropriate regulations to protect workers from exposure.