Urea

Urea is a weak base and a organic compound with the formula CH₄N₂O. Urea is also called as carbamide which is white crystalline powder. It is highly soluble in water and non-toxic. Urea reacts with azo and diazo compounds to generate toxic gases, and reacts with strong reducing agents to form flammable gases. Urea should be sealed and stored in cool and dry place.

Preparation: The synthesis of Urea from an inorganic precursor was an important milestone in the development of organic chemistry, as it showed for the first time that a molecule found in living organisms could be synthesized in the lab without biological starting materials. In addition, Urea can be prepared by treating silver isocyanate with ammonium chloride.

AgNCO + NH₄Cl → (NH₂)₂CO + AgCl

The Urea can also be prepared by ammonia and carbon dioxide. The mixture reacts to generate ammonium carbamate. Finally, you can gain Urea through dehydration.

NH₃ + CO₂ → H₂NCONH₄ → H₂NCONH₂

Meanwhile, the Urea can also be prepared by calcium cyanamide and sulfuric acid. The mixture reacts and generates cyanamide. After that, it reacts with H₂O. Via decoloration and recrystallization, you can gain Urea.

CaNCN + H₂SO₄ → NH₂CN + CaSO₄
NH₂CN + H₂O → NH₂CONH₂

Uses: Urea is used as a nitrogen-release fertilizer in agriculture. In chemical industry it is a raw material for the manufacture of many important chemicals, such as: various plastics, especially the urea-formaldehyde resins; various adhesives, such as urea-formaldehyde or the urea-melamine-formaldehyde used in marine plywood ; potassium cyanate, another industrial feedstock; Urea nitrate, an explosive. And also Urea is used in topical dermatological products to promote rehydration of the skin. If covered by an occlusive dressing, 40% Urea preparations may also be used for nonsurgical debridement of nails. This Urea is also used as an earwax removal aid.

When you are using Urea, please be cautious about it. Urea is irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin. And limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect. In case of contact with eyes, you should rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. Moreover, you should wear suitable protective clothing to avoid contact Urea with skin and eyes.

People can use the following data to convert to the molecule structure of Urea:
(1)SMILES: C(=O)(N)N
(2)InChI: InChI=1/CH4N2O/c2-1(3)4/h(H4,2,3,4)
(3)InChIKey: XSQUKJJJFZCRTK-UHFFFAOYAF

Toxicity of Urea: