Hydrazine (N2H4)
Think of it as an organic building block, tr~
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Since hydrazine is the simplest diamine, and a close chemical cousin to ammonia, some chemists tend to think of it only as an inorganic chem ical. Which is understandable. Originally hydrazine attracted a lot of attention in inorganic appli cations. Rocket fuels. (Hydrazine is energy-rich.) Control of oxygen corrosion in boilers. (Hydrazine is a powerful reducing agent.) And others.
photographic dyes, to name· a: few. · As the pioneer commercial devel oper of hydrazine in the U.S., we've had more than a little to do with its success. And as the leading mer chant marketer, we have more than just a casual interest in seeing that success grow. So, if you've been thinking of hy drazine only in inorganic terms, we'd like to widen your horizons a little.
Successful organic uses Yet, some of the most versatile and valuable organic intermediates are hydrazine derivatives. For blowing agents and polymers. For herbicides, pesticides and plant growth regula tors. For pharmaceuticals. And for
Some organic properties For instance, hydrazine is a difunctional molecule. With two active N-sites, each end of the molecule can react. Which means if you're working on a project requiring closure of rings to heterocyclic molecules, polymer
C&EN Sept. 25, 1978
formation, chain extension and the like, hydrazine could help. ο
s
Il
II
R-CNHNHC-NH,
Η,Ο
Il
II
-NH2
Thiadiazoles, which are a good general example of heterocyclic for mation, are finding growing use in cer tain herbicides, fungicides and pes ticides. And for good reason. Like hydrazine and its other de rivatives, thiadiazoles are biologically active. They're also typical of many molecules constructed with the N-N linkage: they have a "self-destruct" mechanism built in. Obviously, this combination is valuable in agricultural chemicals that must be strong enough to do their job, yet not pose a long-
term threat to the environment. There may be other uses where vigorous biological activity followed by a disappearing act would be an asset. Maybe you want to hydrogenate an unsaturated bond. Depending on the technique used, you can hydrogenate either stereospecifically or selectively with hydrazine. Stereospecificity, of course, means you can get higher yields of the isomer you want, without an expensive separation step. Selectivity means you can hydrogenate nitro groups without attacking other reducible groups. Or you can selectively reduce nitroso groups. And probably others. In any event, the important thing is you can hydrogenate safely at atmospheric
pressure with hydrazine and eliminate a lot of expensive equipment, besides. See for yourself We could go on and on. As a matter of fact, we do — in a brochure we've specially prepared. It will give you a better idea of some of hydrazine's possibilities. If you want to do more than read, we'll give you technical assistance. Or, if you'd prefer to work on your own, we'll be glad to send you samples. And you can be sure there'll be plenty of hydrazine for your needs. We're solidifying our merchant leadership with an expansion that will triple our capacity when it comes on stream in 1979.
So, get in there and think. We'll be glad to help: free literature, sample quantities, technical services — whatever you need. Just ask on your company letterhead. Write: Hydrazine Market Manager, Olin Chemicals, 120 Long Ridge Road, Stamford, CT 06904. Or call: (203) 356-2473.
l i n CHEMICALS Sept. 25, 1978 C&EN
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