Hydrazine

The possibility of ignition, explosion and toxicity are the main risks of hydrazines. For example, when the hydrazine is mixed with nitromethane forms a powerful explosive that is more dangerous than TNT. All hydrazines mentioned here have a vapor pressure high enough to pose a serious health risk by inhalation. These compounds have an ammonia smell, similar to the fish, which is repulsive and indicates the presence of dangerous levels in cases of accidental exposure soon. At low concentrations, such as may occur during production or transport processes, the odor may not be sufficient to prevent chronic occupational exposure to low concentrations in the fuel handlers.

Moderate or high concentrations of hydrazine vapors are very irritating to the eyes, nose and respiratory system. With hydrazines used as propellants, irritation of the skin is important and direct contact with liquid causes burns and dermatitis a type of awareness, particularly in the case of phenylhydrazine. Splashes in the eyes produce intense irritation and hydrazine can cause permanent injury to the cornea.

In addition to its irritating properties, hydrazines also pronounced systemic effects whatever the route of absorption. After inhalation, absorption through the skin is the most important route of poisoning. All hydrazines are moderate to very toxic to the central nervous system and cause tremors, increased excitability of the central nervous system and, in high enough doses, seizures. These symptoms may progress to cause depression, respiratory arrest and death. Other systemic effects produced by hydrazines are alterations of the hematopoietic system, liver and kidneys.

Basic properties:
Properties Value
chemical formula N2H4
molecular weight 32.0452 g/mol
phase liquid
melting point 2 °C, 275 K, 35 °F
boiling point 114 °C, 387 K, 237 °F
density 1.021 g/cm3

Liquid properties:
Properties Value
vapor pressure 1 kP (at 30.7 °C)
dynamic viscosity 0.876 cP
refractive index 1.46044 (at 22 °C)