Group 3—Monomethylhydrazine (Gyromitrin)

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Group 3—Monomethylhydrazine (Gyromitrin)

Monomethylhydrazine (also known as MMH or gyromitrin). It is a volatile, highly toxic carcinogenic compound. MMH is used in rocket fuel so this should give some idea of its volatility. After ingestion, symptoms begin to appear anywhere between 2 to 24 hours. Symptoms include headaches, abdominal distress severe diarrhea, and vomiting. Hepatic necrosis, CNS hyperexcitability, convulsions, methemoglobinemia, hemolysis, and renal failure may also be seen. While poisoning typically occurs following ingestion, because MMH is so volatile, poisoning may also result from the inhalation of cooking vapors during preparation. Gyromitra sp. is an example of a genus in which MMH is the principle toxin.

Structure of the MMH/Gyromitrin toxin