Ureas
Urea, also known as carbamide, is an organic compound with the formula CO(NH2)2. It is the simplest diamide of carbonic acid and a major nitrogen source in fertilizers and chemical syntheses. In industrial and agricultural contexts, urea and related derivatives are sometimes grouped under the informal label ureAs. The compound is a colorless, crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water and decomposes at elevated temperatures. Its melting point is about 133°C.
In mammals, urea is produced in the liver by the urea cycle to detoxify ammonia generated during
Industrial production relies on the Bosch–Meiser urea process, which combines ammonia with carbon dioxide to form
Major uses extend beyond fertilizers: it is a chemical feedstock for the production of urea-formaldehyde resins,
Historically, the synthesis of urea by Friedrich Wöhler in 1828 marked a turning point in organic chemistry,
Safety and environmental considerations include its relatively low toxicity to humans in typical exposures, though concentrated