Carbohydrazide is used as an oxygen scavenger in water treatment for boilers. It is an alternative to the hazardous and potentially carcinogenic hydrazine. Carbohydrazide reacts with oxygen to make water, nitrogen and urea. It also passivates metals and reduces metal oxides converting ferric oxide to ferrous oxide and converting cupric oxide to cuprous oxide. It is widely used in the production of drugs, herbicides, plant growth regulators, and dyestuffs. Carbohydrazide is a white crystalline solid with a melting point of 153-154 °C. It decomposes upon melting. It is very water soluble and largely insoluble in organic solvents. Carbohydrazide has been used to develop ammunition propellants, stabilize soaps, and used a reagent in organic synthesis. Heating carbohydrazide may result in an explosion. Carbohydrazide is harmful if swallowed, irritating to eyes, respiratory system, and skin. Carbohydrazide is toxic to aquatic organisms.
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