Question

Hydrazine, N₂H₄ , is used as a rocket fuel. Hydrazine can be prepared from the reaction of ammonia with sodium chlorate(I). There are two other products in the reaction.

Write an equation for this reaction

2NH₃ + NaOCl → N₂H₄ + NaCl + H₂O

Answer 1

Hydrazine is prepared from ammonia and sodium hypochlorite forming chloramine and subsequent reactions in excess ammonia produce hydrazine. Its use as rocket fuel and reactions with acids are also described.

Step-by-step explanation:

The synthesis of hydrazine, N2H4, involves a series of reactions starting with ammonia, NH3. Initially, ammonia reacts with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), forming chloramine (NH2Cl) in a basic solution. Then, in excess ammonia and at lower temperatures, chloramine continues to react to generate hydrazine:

1. NH3 (aq) + NaOCl (aq) → NH2Cl (aq) + NaOH (aq)
2. NH2Cl (aq) + NH3 (aq) + NaOH (aq) → N2H4 (aq) + NaCl (aq) + H2O (l)

As a rocket fuel, hydrazine is valued due to its reactivity and energy release upon combustion. Hydrazine is also a Brønsted and Lewis base, although weaker than ammonia. It reacts with strong acids and can form two series of salts containing either N2H5+ or N2H62+ ions.