Hydrazine or N2H4 is a colorless, highly reactive compound composed of nitrogen and hydrogen. It is used as a rocket propellant, in pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemicals, and as a reducing agent in chemical reactions.
| IUPAC Name | Hydrazine |
| Molecular Formula | N2H4 |
| CAS Number | 302-01-2 |
| Synonyms | Diamine; Diazane; Nitrogen hydride; Hydrazine anhydrous; Anhydrous hydrazine; Hydrazinium hydroxide; Hydrazine hydrate; Methyl hydrazine; Symmetrical hydrazine |
| InChI | InChI=1S/H4N2/c1-2/h2H,1H2 |
N2H4 Lewis Structure:
The Lewis structure of hydrazine shows the arrangement of electrons in the molecule. The structure consists of two nitrogen atoms, each with one lone pair of electrons, and four hydrogen atoms. The two nitrogen atoms are connected by a single covalent bond, and each nitrogen atom is also bonded to two hydrogen atoms. The Lewis structure of hydrazine helps to explain its reactivity and properties.
N2H4 Compound Name:
The compound name for N2H4 is hydrazine. The name is derived from the fact that hydrazine is a compound that contains hydrogen and nitrogen atoms. Hydrazine is also known by a variety of other names, including diamine, diazane, and nitrogen hydride.
N2H4 molar mass:
The molar mass of hydrazine, with the molecular formula N2H4, is 32.04 g/mol. It is a relatively light compound that consists of two nitrogen atoms and four hydrogen atoms. The low molar mass of hydrazine is one reason why it is commonly used as a rocket fuel, as it provides a high thrust-to-weight ratio.
Hydrazine boiling point:
Hydrazine has a boiling point of 113.5 °C (236.3 °F) at atmospheric pressure. This low boiling point means that hydrazine can easily vaporize, which can make it dangerous to handle. When heated, hydrazine can decompose into nitrogen gas and hydrogen gas, which can also make it hazardous.
Hydrazine melting point:
The melting point of hydrazine is -51.7 °C (-61.06 °F). This means that hydrazine is a liquid at room temperature and pressure. Its low melting point also means that it can easily solidify at colder temperatures, which can make it difficult to handle.
Hydrazine density g/ml:
The density of hydrazine is 1.00 g/mL at room temperature and pressure. This means that hydrazine is slightly denser than water, which has a density of 1.00 g/mL at the same conditions.
Hydrazine molecular weight:
The molecular weight of hydrazine is 32.04 g/mol. This value is used to calculate the amount of hydrazine needed in chemical reactions and in other applications.
Hydrazine Structure:
The structure of hydrazine consists of two nitrogen atoms bonded together by a single covalent bond, with each nitrogen atom also bonded to two hydrogen atoms. This gives hydrazine a symmetrical, V-shaped molecular structure. The structure of hydrazine plays a significant role in its reactivity and properties.
Hydrazine formula:
The chemical formula of hydrazine is N2H4. This formula indicates that hydrazine consists of two nitrogen atoms and four hydrogen atoms. The formula is used to represent hydrazine in chemical equations and reactions.
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 1.00 g/mL |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Ammonia-like odor |
| Molar Mass | 32.04 g/mol |
| Density | 1.00 g/mL |
| Melting Point | -51.7 °C (-61.06 °F) |
| Boiling Point | 113.5 °C (236.3 °F) |
| Flash Point | 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Water Solubility | Miscible |
| Solubility | Soluble in ethanol, diethyl ether, chloroform |
| Vapour Pressure | 72 mmHg at 20 °C |
| Vapour Density | 1.0 (air=1) |
| pKa | 8 |
| pH | Basic (pH > 7) |
Hydrazine Safety and Hazards
Hydrazine is a highly reactive and hazardous compound that requires careful handling and storage. It is toxic and can cause severe burns upon contact with the skin, eyes, or mucous membranes. Inhaling hydrazine vapor can also cause respiratory irritation, lung damage, and in extreme cases, can be fatal. Hydrazine is also flammable and can ignite easily, particularly when in contact with certain materials such as oxidizing agents. Due to these hazards, proper safety precautions and personal protective equipment must be used when handling hydrazine, and it should only be used in well-ventilated areas by trained professionals with appropriate safety training.
| Hazard Symbols | Skull and crossbones, flame |
| Safety Description | Use only in well-ventilated areas. Wear protective gloves, clothing, and eye/face protection. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Keep away from heat, sparks, and flames. |
| UN IDs | UN 2030 |
| HS Code | 282510 |
| Hazard Class | 6.1 (Toxic substances) |
| Packing Group | II |
| Toxicity | Highly toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. Can cause severe burns and tissue damage. Long-term exposure can cause liver and kidney damage, and may be a potential carcinogen. |
Hydrazine Synthesis Methods
Hydrazine can be synthesized through a variety of methods, depending on the desired purity and specific application. Some common methods for synthesizing hydrazine include the following:
- Raschig process: This method involves the reaction of ammonia and sodium hypochlorite in the presence of a catalyst such as copper or nickel.
- Olin-Raschig process: This process involves the reaction of urea and hydrochloric acid to produce hydrazine hydrate.
- Ketazine process: This process involves the reaction of acetone with ammonia in the presence of a catalyst such as Raney nickel.
- Peroxide process: This process involves the reaction of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia in the presence of a catalyst such as platinum or palladium.
- Bayer process: This process involves the reaction of sodium hypochlorite with urea in the presence of a catalyst such as copper or nickel.
- Houben-Hoesch reaction: This reaction involves the reaction of nitrous acid with ammonia in the presence of a reducing agent such as zinc.
Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method will depend on factors such as cost, yield, purity, and safety considerations. Hydrazine synthesis must be carried out with caution, as hydrazine is a hazardous substance and can pose a risk to human health and safety if not handled properly.
Hydrazine Uses
N2H4 has a wide range of industrial, commercial, and military applications due to its unique chemical properties. Some common uses of N2H4 include:
- Companies use N2H4 as a rocket fuel due to its high energy content and stability.
- N2H4 serves as a polymerization agent in the production of certain polymers, including Nylon and Kevlar.
- Chemists use N2H4 as a reducing agent in chemical synthesis reactions, particularly in the production of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and other organic compounds.
- N2H4 functions as a reducing agent in metal plating processes, particularly for nickel plating.
- Water treatment plants use N2H4 as an oxygen scavenger, particularly in boilers and cooling towers.
- Photographers use N2H4 as a photographic developer, particularly in black and white photography.
- Automakers rely on N2H4 as an inflator in automotive airbag systems.
- Industries use N2H4 as a cleaning agent for certain equipment and surfaces, particularly in the electronics industry.
While hydrazine has many useful applications, it is also a hazardous substance and must be handled with care. Proper safety precautions and personal protective equipment must be used when handling hydrazine, and it should only be used by trained professionals with appropriate safety training.
Questions:
What is the oxidation number (oxidation state) for N in N2H4?
In N2H4, the oxidation number (oxidation state) for N is -2. Each hydrogen atom has an oxidation number of +1, and since N2H4 is a neutral molecule, the sum of the oxidation numbers of all atoms must be equal to zero. Since there are two nitrogen atoms in N2H4, the total oxidation number of nitrogen in the molecule is -4. Therefore, the oxidation number of each nitrogen atom is -2, which balances out the oxidation numbers of the hydrogen atoms.
What is the name for the compound N2H4?
The compound N2H4 is commonly known as hydrazine.
What are the mole ratios of hydrazine (n2h4) to hydrogen peroxide (h2o2) and hydrazine to water?
The mole ratios of hydrazine (N2H4) to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hydrazine to water can be determined from the balanced chemical equations of the respective reactions.
When hydrazine reacts with hydrogen peroxide, it produces nitrogen gas (N2), water (H2O), and oxygen gas (O2) according to the following balanced equation:
N2H4 + H2O2 → N2 + 2H2O + O2
From this equation, the mole ratio of hydrazine to hydrogen peroxide is 1:1. This means that for every one mole of hydrazine used in the reaction, one mole of hydrogen peroxide is consumed.
When hydrazine reacts with water, it forms hydrazine hydrate, which has the chemical formula N2H4·H2O. The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is:
N2H4 + H2O → N2H4·H2O
From this equation, the mole ratio of hydrazine to water is 1:1. This means that for every one mole of hydrazine used in the reaction, one mole of water is consumed and one mole of hydrazine hydrate is produced.