Urea

General Properties

Urea, or commonly known as carbamide, is an amine that is formed by binding of a carbonyl group and 2-NH₂. It is first synthesised in 1828. It can easily go into different reactions thanks to its groups. It is not alkali or acidic. It is not toxic unless it is taken in high doses.

It is commonly used as fertilizer and it turns into ammonium on soil. This provides nitrogen to plants which is nutritious for them. It is best disintigrated with biuret.

Recently, it has been used as emission reducer in diesel cars. Therefore, poisonous gases eminate from diesel cars are almost rendered non-poisonous.

Production

Urea is industrially produced from ammonia and carbon dioxide. Then, this ammonium carbamide is dehydrated to acquire urea. Because there is much hydrocarbon is burned in ammonia production, carbon dioxide that is formed is very good for urea production.

Applications

90% of the produced urea is used for fertilizer production. Urea is an excellent nitrogen carrier.

It is also a raw material for formaldehyde resins and it is frequently used with this purpose.

Urea is an emission reducer auxiliary in motor vehicles. This greatly reduces NO_X emissions in diesel engines.

Medically, it can be found in many medicines. It is used for stabilizing water balance of skin in cases of eczama and psora. It is also used in kidney tests as it is removed from body via urine.

It is also used in textile,dyeing and cleaning businesses.

Safety Measures and Toxic Values

Urea is not toxic in low doses but it can cause serious health problems in higher concentrations. It is irritant for eyes and skin and it may cause dryness or rash on skin.

It causes eutrophication in nature. It increases certain toxic algea in water.

In high temperatures, it creates poisonous gases and oxidisers.