Dimethylhydrazine

/ˌdaɪˈmɛθəlˈhaɪdrəˌzin/ noun

Definition

A toxic, colorless liquid compound with the formula (CH₃)₂NNH₂ that was historically used as rocket propellant and fuel in spacecraft.

Etymology

From dimethyl (two methyl groups) + hydrazine (from hydro- + azote, the old name for nitrogen). Hydrazine is N₂H₄, and dimethylhydrazine has two methyl groups attached.

Kelly Says

Dimethylhydrazine was the fuel that powered Apollo spacecraft to the moon and Soviet spacecraft to Mars—it's dangerously toxic to humans, which is exactly why it burns so energetically in space.

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