Hydrazine

Definition

The original high-pressure oxygen scavenger, now largely phased out because it is a suspected carcinogen. Its chemistry produced only nitrogen gas and water.

Hydrazine reacts with oxygen cleanly without adding dissolved solids, which made it elegant for high-pressure systems. Its classification as a suspected carcinogen drove the industry to alternatives such as carbohydrazide, DEHA, and erythorbate. Its history illustrates the tradeoff between chemical effectiveness and safety.

Related concepts

Oxygen Scavenger · Sodium Sulfite

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Part of The Blueprint of Water · 🧪 chemistry