A composition of matter is disclosed wherein the composition comprises a hydrazide compound of the formula: wherein: R1 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkyl ether, and phenyl;R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 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 R1 is phenyl, it is of the structure: wherein R7, R8, and R9 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkyl ether, and aryl, or R7 can be combined with R8 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.