Urea 46%

CAS Number:

57-13-6

Chemical Name:

Urea (IUPAC: Carbonyl diamide). Often referred to as Carbamide

Molecular Formula:

CH4N2O or CO(NH2)2.

Molecular Weight:

60.06 g/mol

Common Form:

White, odorless solid crystals, granules, or prills (small pellets). High-purity grades are available as a white powder

Uses:

Urea is one of the most important nitrogen-containing compounds, with its largest application being as a fertilizer. However, its uses span numerous industries due to its solubility, reactivity, and humectant properties.

Primary Applications:

· Agriculture: The dominant use (over 90% of global production) is as a high-nitrogen (46% N) solid fertilizer. It is also used in animal feed as a non-protein nitrogen source for ruminants.

· Chemical Industry: A key raw material in the production of urea-formaldehyde resins and plastics, adhesives, and melamine. It is also a starting material for various pharmaceuticals.

· Cosmetics & Personal Care: Widely used as a humectant and moisturizing agent in skin creams, lotions, and hair conditioners. In deodorants, it inhibits the enzyme that causes odor.

· Automotive & Environmental: As the source of ammonia in Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from diesel engines (typically used as a 32.5% aqueous solution called AdBlue® or DEF).

· Laboratory & Medicine: Used as a protein denaturant in biochemistry. In some topical medications, it acts as a keratolytic agent to soften and remove hard skin.

What does Urea do in a formulation?

• Fertilizer & Nitrogen Source: Provides a concentrated, water-soluble form of nitrogen that is readily available to plants.
• Humectant: Its core function in cosmetics. It attracts and retains moisture from the air, helping to keep skin and hair hydrated.
• Protein Denaturant: Breaks down non-covalent bonds in proteins, altering their structure. This is useful in laboratory processes and in skincare to soften keratin.
• Stabilizer & Plasticizer: In resin production, it reacts with formaldehyde to form a rigid polymer. It can also act as a plasticizer in cellulosic materials.
• Deodorant Agent: Inhibits the bacterial enzyme urease, thereby reducing the formation of ammonia-based odors.

Safety Profile:

· Hazard Classification: Generally considered non-hazardous or of low concern in its pure, solid form. Aqueous solutions may be classified as irritating.

· Skin/Eye Exposure: Solid urea is not a skin or eye irritant for most people. However, prolonged contact with concentrated solutions may cause mild irritation. It is not a skin sensitizer.

· Inhalation/Ingestion: Low toxicity by inhalation due to low dust and vapor pressure. Ingestion of large amounts could potentially lead to an increase in blood urea levels, but it is not considered highly toxic.

· Required PPE: Basic personal protective equipment is sufficient for routine handling: dust mask if generating powder aerosols, safety glasses, and gloves to avoid dry skin.

· Environmental Note: While not toxic, runoff from excessive fertilizer use can contribute to eutrophication in water bodies.

· Important Distinction: Do not confuse with urea nitrate, a high explosive formed from urea and nitric acid.

Technical profile: