A composition of matter is disclosed wherein the composition comprises a hydrazide compound of the formula: ##STR00001## wherein:R.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkyl ether, and phenyl;R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, and R.sub.6 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkyl ether, and aryl; andn is an integer of from 0 to 10;and wherein:when R.sub.1 is phenyl, it is of the structure: ##STR00002## wherein R.sub.7, R.sub.8, and R.sub.9 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkyl ether, and aryl, or R.sub.7 can be combined with R.sub.8 to form a ring of 5 or 6 carbon atoms.The hydrazides are useful as stabilizers for lubricants, greases, and polymeric systems, particularly lubricating oils, as are maleated polymers that have been functionalized with them.