Urea[2]
Overview
Urea is a versatile organic compound with the chemical formula CH₄N₂O. It is a colorless, odorless solid that is highly soluble in water and forms a neutral solution. Urea was first synthesized in 1828, marking a significant milestone in organic chemistry as it was the first organic compound to be artificially produced from inorganic materials. In nature, urea is the primary nitrogen-containing substance in the urine of mammals. Commercially, it is produced on an industrial scale from ammonia and carbon dioxide, with an annual global production exceeding 180 million metric tons. Its widespread use stems from its high nitrogen content (46%) and relatively low cost of production.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Urea appears as white, odorless crystals or prills with a slightly bitter taste. It has a melting point of 133-135°C, above which it decomposes rather than boiling. The compound is highly soluble in water (1079 g/L at 20°C) and forms a neutral solution (pH ~7). Urea is hygroscopic and will absorb moisture from the atmosphere. When heated above its melting point, it biurets and other condensation products. Chemically, urea reacts with acids to form salts and with aldehydes to form urea-formaldehyde resins. These properties make it valuable in various industrial applications beyond its primary use as a nitrogen fertilizer.
Main Applications
The largest application of urea is as a nitrogen-release fertilizer, accounting for over 90% of global production. Its high nitrogen content and water solubility make it ideal for agricultural use. In animal nutrition, urea serves as a non-protein nitrogen source in ruminant feed. Industrially, urea is used in the manufacture of adhesives (urea-formaldehyde resins), plastics (melamine-urea resins), and as a stabilizer in explosives. In cosmetics and personal care products, it functions as a moisturizer and skin conditioner. As a solubilizing agent, urea helps dissolve other compounds in formulations, particularly in pharmaceuticals and chemical processing.
Safety and Storage
Urea is generally considered safe with low toxicity, but proper handling procedures should still be followed. Workers should avoid prolonged skin contact and inhalation of dust, which may cause mild irritation. Appropriate personal protective equipment including gloves and dust masks is recommended when handling large quantities. For storage, urea should be kept in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from moisture and incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers. Bulk storage requires protection from humidity to prevent caking. Properly stored urea has an indefinite shelf life, though agricultural-grade product is typically used within one year of manufacture.
B2B Procurement Guide
When procuring urea for industrial or agricultural purposes, buyers should specify the required purity level. Agricultural-grade urea typically contains 46% nitrogen, while technical or reagent grades offer higher purity. Consider the physical form (prills, granules, or powder) based on your application needs. Packaging options range from 50kg bags to bulk shipments. Transportation costs are significant due to urea's density, so sourcing locally when possible can reduce expenses. Quality certifications such as ISO standards may be important for certain applications. For large-scale purchases, consider long-term contracts to mitigate price volatility in this commodity chemical market.
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