Formic acid hydrazide is used as a precursor in the preparation of 1,2,4-triazole derivatives. It is also used in the synthesis of 6-N-formylamino-12,13-dihydro-1,11-dihydroxy-13-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-5H-indolo[2,3-a]-pyrrolo[3,4-c]carbazole-5,7(6H)-dione, which is an anticancer agent.
Recrystallise it from EtOH and dry it in vacuo. Store below 10o; it may disproportionate on storage to 1,2-diformyl hydrazine and hydrazine. It forms a blue [Cu(CH4N2O)]SO4 salt with CuSO4. [Beilstein 2 H 93, 2 III 127, 2 IV 85.]