Urea refers to an organic compound belonging to the carbamide class of chemicals, with a molecular formula of (NH2)2CO. Its name also serves as its official IUPAC nomenclature, though it is also known as carbamide, carbonyl diamide, carbonyldiamine, diaminomethanal, and diaminomethanone. Urea is under the functional group RR’N-CO-NRR’, which refers to a group of compounds with molecules having a carbonyl group attached to two organic amine residues. Popular compounds that belong to this class include allantoin, hydantoin, and carbamide peroxide. Urea’s CAS number is 57-13-6.
Urea was first synthesized by Friedrich Wöhler from an inorganic precedent. His discovery was an important milestone in the development of organic chemistry because it was the first time that a molecule from a living entity can be synthesized without any biological precursor.
Available as white crystals, powder, or prills, it is odorless when in solid state, but gives of a faint ammonia odor when dissolved in water or vapor. Urea is soluble in water, and is neither acidic nor basic when dissolved.
Physical Properties
Molecular weight: 60.06 g/mol
Density: 1.32 g/cm3
Boiling point: 197°C
Vapor pressure: 0.4 (25°C)
Vapor density: 2.07 (air=1)
Viscosity: 1.78 MP at 46% solution (20°C)
Heat of fusion: 13.9 kJ/mol
Heat of vaporization: 45.3 kJ/mol
Heat of combustion: -634.1 kJ/mol
Flash point: 73°C
Uses
Urea has been used in different applications, particularly in agricultural, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. Majority of its global production rests in the agricultural sector, to be used as fertilizers. Among common nitrogenous fertilizers, urea has the highest nitrogen content, making it the lowest
transportation costs per unit of nitrogen nutrient. It is often applied either as top- or side-dressing in grain and cotton crops before cultivation. Foliar sprays also contain small concentrations for horticultural crops. Together with other salts, urea is also used for cloud seeding activities.
Urea was first synthesized by Friedrich Wöhler from an inorganic precedent. His discovery was an important milestone in the development of organic chemistry because it was the first time that a molecule from a living entity can be synthesized without any biological precursor.
Available as white crystals, powder, or prills, it is odorless when in solid state, but gives of a faint ammonia odor when dissolved in water or vapor. Urea is soluble in water, and is neither acidic nor basic when dissolved.
Physical Properties
Molecular weight: 60.06 g/mol
Density: 1.32 g/cm3
Boiling point: 197°C
Vapor pressure: 0.4 (25°C)
Vapor density: 2.07 (air=1)
Viscosity: 1.78 MP at 46% solution (20°C)
Heat of fusion: 13.9 kJ/mol
Heat of vaporization: 45.3 kJ/mol
Heat of combustion: -634.1 kJ/mol
Flash point: 73°C
Uses
Urea has been used in different applications, particularly in agricultural, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. Majority of its global production rests in the agricultural sector, to be used as fertilizers. Among common nitrogenous fertilizers, urea has the highest nitrogen content, making it the lowest
transportation costs per unit of nitrogen nutrient. It is often applied either as top- or side-dressing in grain and cotton crops before cultivation. Foliar sprays also contain small concentrations for horticultural crops. Together with other salts, urea is also used for cloud seeding activities.
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