Unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine

Unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine
Identifiers
CAS number 57-14-7 Y
KEGG C19233 Y
Jmol-3D images Image 1
Properties
Molecular formula C2H8N2
Molar mass 60.1 g/mol
Density 0.793 g/cm3
Melting point

−57 °C, 216 K, -71 °F

Boiling point

63 °C, 336 K, 145 °F

Hazards
MSDS External MSDS
EU classification Toxic (T), Flammable (F), Harmful for the environment (N)
R-phrases R45 R11 R23/25 R34 R51/53
S-phrases S53 S45 S61
NFPA 704
3
4
1
Related compounds
Related compounds Hydrazine, monomethylhydrazine, 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine
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Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) (1,1-Dimethylhydrazine) is a toxic volatile hygroscopic clear liquid, with a sharp, fishy, ammoniacal smell typical for organic amines. It turns yellowish on exposure to air and absorbs oxygen and carbon dioxide. It mixes completely with water, ethanol, and kerosene. In concentration between 2.5% and 95% in air, its vapors are flammable. It is not sensitive to shock.

Contents

Occurrence

UDMH is a contaminant, metabolite, and breakdown product of daminozide.

Uses

UDMH is often used in hypergolic rocket fuels as a bipropellant in combination with the oxidizer nitrogen tetroxide and less frequently with IRFNA (red fuming nitric acid) or liquid oxygen. UDMH is a derivative of hydrazine and is sometimes referred to as a hydrazine. As a fuel, it is described in specification MIL-PRF-25604.[1]

UDMH is stable and can be kept loaded in rocket fuel systems for long periods, which makes it appealing for use in many liquid rocket engines, despite its high density and cost. In some applications, such as the OMS in the Space Shuttle or maneuvering engines, monomethylhydrazine is used instead due to its slightly higher specific impulse. In some kerosene fueled rockets, UDMH functions as a starter fuel to start combustion and warm the rocket engine prior to switching to kerosene. UDMH has higher stability than hydrazine, especially at elevated temperatures, and can be used as its replacement or together in a mixture. UDMH is used in many European, Russian, Indian, and Chinese rocket designs. The Russian Proton and Kosmos-3M are the most notable users of UDMH. The Titan, GSLV, and Delta rocket families use a mixture of 50% hydrazine and 50% UDMH, called Aerozine 50, in different stages.[2]

Apart from its use as rocket fuel, UDMH is a nitrogen source in metalorganic vapour phase epitaxy thin-film deposition.

Safety

UDMH is toxic, a carcinogen and can explode in the presence of oxidisers. It is toxic and is absorbed through the skin. During the 1980s there was concern about the levels of UDMH in various foods being a cancer risk, especially for apple juice.[3]

See also

References

  1. ^ MIL-PRF-25604 (1997-10-01). "Performance Specification, Propellant, uns-Dimethylhydrazine". https://assist.daps.dla.mil/quicksearch/basic_profile.cfm?ident_number=18058. Retrieved 2011-05-21. 
  2. ^ Clark, John D. (1972). Ignition! An Informal History of Liquid Rocket Propellants. Rutgers University Press. p. 45. ISBN 0813507251. 
  3. ^ UDMH released into the environment can react in air to form dimethylnitrosamine, a persistent carcinogen and groundwater pollutant. "Are pesticides posing intolerable risks?". Cornell University. http://pmep.cce.cornell.edu/issues/intolrisks.html. 

External links