Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hydrazine hydrate?
Hydrazine is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula N₂H₄. It is a simple pnictogen hydride, and is a colourless flammable liquid with an ammonia-like odour. Hydrazine is highly toxic unless handled in solution as, for example, hydrazine hydrate.
What does hydrazine hydrate do?
Our hydrazine hydrate and derivatives are mainly used as: Organic synthesis intermediates (agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, manufecturing of chemicals, etc) Laboratory reagent in fine chemicals. Reducing agent in metals (purification of precious metals in the mining industry, etc)
Why is hydrazine used as a rocket fuel?
But what about rocket fuel? That application comes about due to the other important property of hydrazine: it burns very exothermically in the presence of oxygen (or oxygen-containing compounds) generating a lot of hot gases, which can be used to produce the exhaust thrust for a rocket.
Why is hydrazine so toxic?
Besides being highly and easily combustible, it is extremely toxic, caustic, and probably carcinogenic. Humans exposed to hydrazine vapor will suffer burns in the eyes, nose, mouth, esophagus, and respiratory tract. Severe burns can be fatal. Liquid hydrazine on the skin is quickly absorbed and acts as a neurotoxin.
Can hydrazine be used as car fuel?
Hydrazine has been around, and used as an “exciter” for nitromethane for as long as we've had Drag Racing. Actually, its use as a racing fuel predates even the Dry Lakes. Hydrazine is rumored to have been used by the Nazi's as an additive in the Mercedes Formula 1 cars of the pre war era.
Can you drink hydrazine?
Breathing hydrazines for long periods may cause liver and kidney damage, as well as serious effects on reproductive organs. Eating or drinking small amounts of hydrazines may cause nausea, vomiting, uncontrolled shaking, inflammation of the nerves, drowsiness, or coma
How powerful is hydrazine?
In its anhydrous form, it is a colourless, toxic irritant and sensitiser, which damages the central nervous system, producing symptoms as extreme as tumours and seizures. The pungent smell of hydrazine is not unlike that of ammonia, and it is so powerful a reducing agent that it is highly explosive.
