Substance profile
1,2-Dimethylhydrazine
1,2-Dimethylhydrazine is a clear, colorless liq with a fishy, ammonia odor.
01 · Identification
What 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine is
1,2-Dimethylhydrazine is a clear, colorless liq with a fishy, ammonia odor. Its molecular formula is C2H8N2 and its molecular weight is 60.1 g/mol. It boils at 81 °C, melts at -9 °C, is miscible with water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as carcinogens.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H350 | May cause cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H331 | Toxic if inhaled. |
| H311 | Toxic in contact with skin. |
| H301 | Toxic if swallowed. |
| H411 | Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P201, P260, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301, P302, P304, P308, P310, P313, P330, P352, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
1,2-Dimethylhydrazine properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 81 °C (177.8 °F) | at 753 mmHg | HSDB |
| 81 °C (177.8 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 81 °C (177.8 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Melting point | -9 °C (15.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| -8.9 °C (16 °F) | DOE PAC | ||
| Density | 0.83 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 0.8274 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Miscible with alcohol, ether, dimethylformamide, hydrocarbons | HSDB | |
| Miscible with water: 1X10+6 mg/l at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility in water, g/100ml at 25 °C: 100 | at 25 °C | ICSC | |
| Vapor pressure | 69.9 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| 67.5056 mmHg | at 25 °C | ICSC | |
| 75 mmHg | at 26.4 °C | DOE PAC | |
| Flash point | 23 °C (73.4 °F) | below this value, Closed cup | HSDB |
| -15 °C (5 °F) | Haz-Map | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 2.4 % by volume | ICSC | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 20 % by volume | ICSC | |
| Vapor density | 2.07 (air = 1) | ICSC | |
| Corrosivity | Corrosive to skin | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Source notes
Further notes on 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
Odor
The warning properties (irritation & odor) of the hydrazines are probably sufficient to prevent acute poisoning from short exposures. However, in view of the chronic toxicity properties, the warning properties should not be considered adequate for prolonged exposures. /Hydrazines/
Source: HSDB
05 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine
Storage conditions
PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Storage site should be as close as practicable to lab in which carcinogens are to be used, so that only small quantities required for ... expt need to be carried. Carcinogens should be kept in only one section of cupboard, an explosion proof refrigerator or freezer (depending on chemicophysical properties ...) that bears appropriate label. An inventory ... should be kept, showing quantity of carcinogen & date it was acquired ... Facilities for dispensing ... should be contiguous to storage area. /Chemical Carcinogens/
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Miscible with water with much evolution of heat.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
1,2-DIMETHYLHYDRAZINE dissolves, swells, and disintegrates many plastics (USCG, 1999). It is a strong reducing agent and may react with oxidizing agents to generate heat and products that may be flammable, combustible, or otherwise reactive.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine in the storage compatibility matrix →