Substance profile
Methylhydrazine
Methylhydrazine is a clear liquid with an odor characteristic of short chain, organic amines.
01 · Identification
What Methylhydrazine is
Methylhydrazine is a clear liquid with an odor characteristic of short chain, organic amines. Its molecular formula is CH6N2 and its molecular weight is 46.072 g/mol. It boils at 87.5 °C, melts at -52.4 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
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>. |
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Methylhydrazine 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 | 87.5 °C (189.5 °F) | HSDB | |
| 87.78 °C (190 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 87.78 °C (190 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -52.4 °C (-62.3 °F) | HSDB | |
| -52.22 °C (-62 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| -52.39 °C (-62.3 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 0.87 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 0.874 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | >10% in ethyl ether | HSDB | |
| >10% in ethanol | HSDB | ||
| >10% in water | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 38 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 50 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| 49.6 mmHg | at 25 °C | CAMEO | |
| Flash point | -8 °C (17.6 °F) | closed cup | HSDB |
| -8.33 °C (17 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 70 °C (158 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 194 °C (381.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| 194.44 °C (382 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 196 °C (384.8 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 2.5 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 92 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 97 % by volume | HSDB | ||
| Vapor density | 1.6 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| Odor threshold | 1.75 mg/cu m (low); 5.25 mg/cu m (high) | HSDB | |
| Odor Threshold Low: 1.7 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 312 °C (593.6 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Source notes
Further notes on Methylhydrazine
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 Methylhydrazine
Storage conditions
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from acids, oxidizing materials, halogens, & air. Outside or detached storage is preferred.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Reacts violently with oxidizing materials, oxygen, & peroxides; sometimes resulting in autoignition.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
METHYLHYDRAZINE is a powerful reducing agent. Ignites upon contact with oxidizing agents i.e. dinitrogen tetraoxide, hydrogen peroxide [Hawley]. Water used to extinguish a fire may cause pollution and should be diked for later disposal. Gives basic solutions with water that generate heat when water is added.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Methylhydrazine in the storage compatibility matrix →