What is the Difference Between Hydrazine and Hydrazine Hydrate?

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The key difference between hydrazine and hydrazine hydrate is that hydrazine is an inorganic compound, whereas hydrazine hydrate is hydrazine in association with water molecules.

  • Hydrazine: It is a colorless flammable liquid with an ammonia-like odor and has the chemical formula N2H4. Hydrazine is highly toxic unless handled in solution, such as hydrazine hydrate. It is mainly used as a foaming agent in preparing polymer foams, as a precursor to polymerization catalysts, and in pharmaceuticals.
  • Hydrazine Hydrate: This is a derivative of hydrazine, containing one hydrazine molecule in association with one water molecule. When in aqueous solution, hydrazine forms a monohydrate form, also called hydrazine hydrate, which contains 64% hydrazine and 36% water. Hydrazine hydrate is used as a reducing agent, blowing agent, corrosion inhibitor, oxygen scavenger, or as an intermediate in the synthesis of some materials.

In summary, hydrazine is a pure inorganic compound, while hydrazine hydrate is a derivative of hydrazine formed when hydrazine associates with water molecules.

Comparative Table: Hydrazine vs Hydrazine Hydrate

The key difference between hydrazine and hydrazine hydrate is that hydrazine is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula N2H4, while hydrazine hydrate is a combination of hydrazine and water molecules. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences between hydrazine and hydrazine hydrate:

Property Hydrazine Hydrazine Hydrate
Chemical Formula N2H4 N2H4.H2O
Composition Inorganic compound Derivative of hydrazine
Number of Hydrazine Molecules 1 1 + 1 (associated with water molecule)
pH Properties Acid-base behavior, basic (alkali) properties comparable to ammonia A monohydrate denser than hydrazine
Redox Reactions Acts as a reductant, gives byproducts such as nitrogen and water Reacts with water to form hydrazine hydrate
Uses Foaming agent in polymer foams, precursor to polymerization catalysts, pharmaceuticals Reducing agent, blowing agent, corrosion inhibitor, oxygen scavenger, synthesis intermediate

Hydrazine hydrate is formed when hydrazine reacts with water and is useful as a water-based solution.