What Is Phenyl Hydrazine (PHY) and Why Is It Essential in Dye and Pharmaceutical Chemistry?
Technical Introduction
Phenyl Hydrazine (C₆H₅NHNH₂) is an aromatic hydrazine derivative featuring a phenyl group directly bonded to a hydrazine functional group.
It is typically a colorless to pale yellow oily liquid that darkens on exposure to air due to oxidation.
First synthesized in the late 19th century, Phenyl Hydrazine played a crucial role in carbohydrate research, particularly in Fischer’s discovery of osazones.
Its high nucleophilicity and reducing capability make it indispensable in both organic synthesis and analytical chemistry.
Applications
1. Dye Manufacturing
Used in the production of azo dyes by coupling reactions.
Contributes to vivid, stable colorations in textiles and leather.
2. Pharmaceutical Intermediates
A precursor in the synthesis of antipyretic and analgesic drugs such as phenylbutazone.
Applied in heterocyclic compound synthesis for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
3. Analytical Chemistry
Key reagent for the detection and structural analysis of reducing sugars via osazone formation.
4. Agrochemical Development
Sometimes employed in creating novel nitrogen-containing bioactive molecules.
Advantages
Strong Reducing Power: Facilitates reductive transformations.
Versatile Reactivity: Reacts with carbonyl compounds to form hydrazones.
Proven Track Record: More than a century of established industrial use.
Dual Industry Relevance: Important in both dyes and pharmaceuticals.
Typical Parameters
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C₆H₈N₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 108.14 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow oily liquid |
| Purity (%) | ≥99.0 |
| Boiling Point (°C) | 243–245 |
| Density (g/cm³) | ~1.10 |
| Solubility | Miscible with ethanol, ether, benzene; limited solubility in water |
| Storage | Store under nitrogen, in cool and dark conditions |
| Shelf Life | 12 months (sealed) |
FAQs
Q1: Is Phenyl Hydrazine toxic?
A1: Yes, it is toxic and potentially carcinogenic; strict handling protocols are required.
Q2: Can it be shipped by air?
A2: Yes, but under hazardous material regulations with UN number 2579.
Q3: Why is it important in sugar analysis?
A3: It forms crystalline osazones that help differentiate sugars based on melting points and morphology.
Q4: Does it have explosive properties?
A4: While not highly explosive, it can be hazardous when heated or in contact with strong oxidizers.
Q5: Is it still widely used in dye manufacture?
A5: Yes, though some processes have been replaced by safer reagents, Phenyl Hydrazine remains relevant in specialty dye production.
Free Consultation
Name*
E-Mail*
TEL
Message*