HYDRAZINE Meaning and
Definition
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Hydrazine is a compound with the chemical formula N2H4. It is a colorless, oily, and highly poisonous liquid that has a strong and pungent ammonia-like odor. Hydrazine is derived from ammonia by replacing one hydrogen atom with a hydrazine moiety (NH2⁻NH2). It is a powerful reducing agent, making it highly reactive and potentially explosive when in contact with incompatible substances.
Hydrazine is widely used in various industries, including as a rocket propellant because of its high energy content. It was initially developed as a fuel for the German Air Force during World War II. It is also used as a reducing agent in various chemical processes, such as in the production of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and plastics. Additionally, hydrazine acts as an oxygen scavenger in water treatment processes, preventing corrosion in steam-generating systems.
However, hydrazine is highly toxic and exposure to it can have severe health effects. It is rapidly absorbed through the skin, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal system. Short-term exposure can cause symptoms like nausea, headaches, dizziness, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Long-term exposure can lead to more serious health problems, including damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.
Due to its hazardous nature, the use and transportation of hydrazine are strictly regulated and extensive safety precautions are necessary when handling it. Personal protective equipment and proper ventilation should always be used to minimize the risk of exposure.
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Diamine, any member of the group H2N-NH2, from which phenylhydrazine and similar reduction products are derived.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HYDRAZINE
Etymology of HYDRAZINE
The word "hydrazine" derives from the combination of the Greek word "hydor", meaning "water", and the French suffix "-azine", used to name certain organic compounds. The term was coined by the German chemist Theodor Curtius in 1887. He named it hydrazin as it contains hydrogen (Greek: hydor) and bears resemblance to ammonia, which was called "amine" by the German chemist Johann Peter Griess. Over time, the ending "-in" was changed to "-ine" to conform to the naming conventions of organic compounds.
Similar spelling words for HYDRAZINE
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