Free radical-mediated activation of hydrazine derivatives

Hydrazines are known to undergo oxidative activation in several enzymatic systems in vitro. Free radicals or carbonium ions have been proposed as active intermediates during such activation. The toxic effects elicited by hydrazines have also been linked to free radical-mediated activation. In this report, we have reviewed the identification of organic free radicals from hydrazines by direct ESR and ESR-spin trapping.