Odabutalok

Odabutalok is a fictional substance that appears in the novel "The Martian" by Andy Weir. Within the narrative, odabutalok is a compound used by the protagonist, Mark Watney, to synthesize hydrazine. Hydrazine is a crucial chemical for the mission, as it can be used as a propellant for rocket engines and as a source of water through its reaction with oxygen.

Watney discovers a significant reserve of odabutalok stored within the Ares 3 mission's ascent vehicle. This unexpected find proves to be a critical resource, enabling him to create the necessary hydrazine to return to the orbiting Hermes spacecraft. The process involves a chemical reaction where odabutalok is decomposed to release the components needed for hydrazine synthesis.

The fictional nature of odabutalok means it does not correspond to any known real-world chemical compound. Its purpose in the story is to provide a scientifically plausible, albeit fictional, solution to Watney's complex engineering challenges. The material's properties and its role in the hydrazine synthesis are integral to the plot's resolution, highlighting the ingenuity and resourcefulness required for survival in an extreme environment. The name itself is a portmanteau, combining elements from the chemical names of existing compounds to create a believable-sounding, fictional substance.