what is urea?

Urea or carbamide is an organic compound with the chemical formula CO(NH2)2. It’s a nitrogenous waste product that is formed in the liver and excreted by the kidneys in mammals, including humans. It plays a crucial role in the excretory system by removing excess nitrogen from the body through urine. Additionally, urea is widely used in various industries, including agriculture as a fertilizer, in skincare products as a moisturizer, and in the manufacturing of plastics and resins.

History of Urea

The story of urea is a fascinating blend of waste disposal and scientific revolution. Buckle up, because it’s not your typical fertilizer tale.

From Potty to Lab Bench (1773):

The journey begins in a rather unappetizing location – urine. Around 1773, either French chemist Hilaire-Marin Rouelle or Dutch scientist Herman Boerhaave (history can’t quite decide) fished urea out of this liquid waste. Back then, it was a messy business, involving evaporation, filtration, and a whole lot of patience. Think of it as the dark ages of urine chemistry.

Blowing Up Vitalism (1828):

Fast forward to 1828, and enter Friedrich Wöhler, the German chemist with a knack for serendipity. He wasn’t even looking for urea, but while trying to cook up something else entirely (like a scientific alchemist!), he accidentally whipped up urea from scratch – using inorganic ingredients!

This was a scientific bombshell. Back then, a theory called “vitalism” dominated. It claimed organic compounds, the building blocks of life, could only be made by living things, not in some test tube. Wöhler’s unexpected creation of urea in a lab blew that theory wide open. It was a pivotal moment, marking the dawn of modern organic chemistry and proving we can create the very essence of life (well, at least its waste products) without a single living organism involved.

So, the next time you see a bag of urea fertilizer, remember – it’s not just plant food, it’s a reminder of a scientific revolution born from, well, let’s just say unconventional beginnings.

Properties of Urea

• Water Solubility: carbamide is highly soluble in water, facilitating its use in aqueous solutions. This property allows for easy incorporation into skincare products, fertilizers, and medical solutions.
• Hygroscopicity: carbamide  exhibits hygroscopic behavior, meaning it can absorb moisture from the surrounding environment. This property makes it an effective moisturizing agent in skincare products, as it helps to retain water in the skin.
• Non-Toxicity: carbamide is generally considered non-toxic, making it safe for many applications. In skincare, it’s well-tolerated by most individuals and is often used in formulations for sensitive skin.
• High Nitrogen Content: carbamide contains a high concentration of nitrogen, making it an excellent source of nitrogen for plants when used as a fertilizer. Its nitrogen content contributes to its effectiveness in promoting plant growth and increasing crop yields.
• Low Cost: carbamide is relatively inexpensive to produce, making it economically viable for various industrial and agricultural applications. Its affordability contributes to its widespread use in fertilizer production and other industries.
• Chemical Reactivity: carbamide can undergo various chemical reactions, including hydrolysis and decomposition under certain conditions. For example, it can react with water to produce ammonia and carbon dioxide, which is utilized in some industrial processes.
• Stability: carbamide exhibits stability under normal conditions, with a relatively long shelf life when stored properly. This stability is advantageous for its use in skincare products and other formulations where consistent performance over time is desired.

physical and chemical properties of urea

Physical Properties of Urea:

• Appearance: Colorless to white crystalline solid
• Odor: Odorless
• Density: 1.32 g/cm³ (relatively dense for an organic compound)
• Melting Point: 134°C (273°F)
• Solubility: Highly soluble in water and alcohol, slightly soluble in some organic solvents, insoluble in others (like ethane)
• Hygroscopic: Absorbs moisture from the air

Chemical Properties of Urea:

• Chemical Formula: CO(NH2)2 (contains carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen)
• Molar Mass: 60.06 g/mol
• Weak Base: Exhibits mildly basic properties in water solution
• Non-combustible: Does not readily burn
• Decomposes Before Boiling: When heated to high temperatures, carbamide breaks down before reaching its boiling point
• Hydrogen Bonding: carbamide molecules form hydrogen bonds with each other and with water molecules, influencing its solubility and crystal structure

VARIOUS GRADES OF UREA

carbamide is available in several grades, each tailored to specific applications and industries. Here are some of the various grades of carbamide :

Fertilizer Grade Urea: This is the most commonly produced and utilized form of carbamide . It is used primarily as a nitrogen fertilizer in agriculture to provide plants with a readily available source of nitrogen. Fertilizer-grade urea typically has high nitrogen content, usually around 46% nitrogen by weight.

Technical Grade Urea: Technical-grade carbamide is used in various industrial applications, such as the manufacturing of resins, adhesives, and plastics. It may have slightly different purity requirements compared to fertilizer-grade carbamide , depending on the specific application.

Feed Grade Urea: Feed-grade carbamide is used as a protein supplement in animal feed. It provides a concentrated source of non-protein nitrogen, which can be utilized by ruminant animals, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, to synthesize microbial protein in the rumen.

Pharmaceutical Grade Urea: Pharmaceutical-grade carbamide is produced to meet strict purity standards for use in medical and pharmaceutical applications. It is used in dermatology for its moisturizing properties and is often found in skincare products for conditions like dry skin, eczema, and psoriasis.

Laboratory Grade Urea: Laboratory-grade carbamide is produced with high purity and is used in scientific research and experimentation. It may be used as a reagent in various chemical reactions or as a component in laboratory formulations.

Granular vs. Prilled carbamide: Urea can be produced in different physical forms, such as granules or prills (small spherical pellets). Granular urea is often preferred for agricultural applications due to its slower release of nitrogen, which provides more sustained nutrient availability to plants. Prilled urea, on the other hand, may be preferred for certain industrial applications where rapid dissolution is required.

Application and uses

Agriculture

• Fertilizer: Urea is extensively used as a nitrogen fertilizer in agriculture. Its high nitrogen content (about 46%) makes it an efficient source of nitrogen for plants, promoting healthy growth and increasing crop yields.
• Soil Amendment: Urea can also help improve soil structure and fertility by promoting microbial activity and enhancing nutrient availability.

Industry

• Plastics and Resins: Urea is a key ingredient in the production of plastics and resins, where it serves as a raw material for manufacturing urea-formaldehyde resins and melamine resins. These materials are used in a wide range of applications, including construction, automotive, and consumer goods.
• Adhesives: Urea-based adhesives are widely used in woodworking and furniture manufacturing for bonding wood, particleboard, and plywood.

Skincare

• Moisturizers: Urea is commonly used in skincare products such as creams, lotions, and moisturizers due to its hydrating properties. It helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin, making it effective in treating dry skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
• Exfoliants: In higher concentrations, urea can act as a mild exfoliant, helping to remove dead skin cells and promote skin renewal.

Medicine

• Dermatology: Urea-based preparations are used in dermatology to treat various skin conditions, including keratosis, ichthyosis, and hyperkeratotic disorders. Urea helps to soften and hydrate rough, scaly skin, facilitating the shedding of dead skin cells and promoting healing.
• Topical Treatments: Urea is also used in certain topical medications and wound-care products for its moisturizing and keratolytic properties.

Animal Feed

• Ruminant Nutrition: Urea is utilized as a protein supplement in the diets of ruminant animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats. It provides a source of non-protein nitrogen that can be converted by rumen microbes into microbial protein, supporting animal growth and production.

Laboratory and Research

• Chemical Reagent: Urea is used as a reagent in various chemical reactions and laboratory procedures, including protein denaturation, DNA extraction, and protein crystallization.
• Cell Culture: Urea is sometimes used in cell culture media as an osmotic agent to control osmolarity and maintain cell viability.

Packing

Bulk Bags: For large-scale industrial and agricultural needs.
Sacks and Bags: Common for smaller applications, like home gardening.
Drums and Containers: Used in specialized industrial processes.
Bulk Shipments: For transporting large quantities via rail, truck, or ship.
Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs): Sometimes used for liquid urea.

safety tips

• Personal Protection: Wear gloves, safety glasses, and protective clothing to prevent skin and eye contact.
• Ventilation: Work in well-ventilated areas to minimize inhalation of dust.
• Storage: Store urea in a cool, dry place away from heat and moisture.
• Handling: Use proper equipment to minimize dust generation and spills.
• Cleanup: Contain spills and clean them up promptly.
• Fire Safety: Keep urea away from sources of ignition.

PROPERTY	UNIT	TEST METHOD	SPECIFICATION	OPERATION
N2 Content	wt%	BS DIN EN 15475	Min 46	46.4
Biuret content	wt%	BS DIN EN 15475	Max 1.0	0.90
Moisture	wt%	ISO 760	Max 0.3	0.15
Paticle size(1- 2.4mm)	%	ISO 8397	(1-2.83mm)Min 92	98.0
Formaldehyde	%	H.F.T 1.6&SSB 0071-02-E	Max 0.4	0.25
Formaldehyde in Industrial Urea	PPM	H.F.T 1.6&SSB 0071-02-E	Max 100	10
Alkalinity as NH3 ppm	PPM	Standard Method	Max 100	70
Insoluble matter	PPM	Standard Method	Soluble	<20
Phosphate (PO4)	PPM	Standard Method	<1	<0.5
Calcium	PPM	Standard Method	<1	<1
Iron ppm	PPM	Standard Method	<1	0.4
Copper	PPM	Standard Method	<1	<1
Zinc ppm	PPM	Standard Method	<1	<1
Nickel ppm	PPM	Standard Method	<1	0.3
Chromium ppm	PPM	Standard Method	<1	0.26
Magnesium max	PPM	Standard Method	<1	<1
Sodium	PPM	Standard Method	<1	<1
Potassium	PPM	Standard Method	<1	<1

 

 

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