isotsüaanhappe

Isotsüaanhape, also known as isocyanic acid, is a chemical compound with the formula HNCO. It is a colorless, volatile substance with a pungent odor. Isocyanic acid is a weak acid and a reactive molecule. It exists in equilibrium with its tautomer, cyanic acid (HOCN), though the isocyanic acid form is generally more stable.

The compound can be formed through various chemical reactions, including the thermal decomposition of urea and other nitrogen-containing organic compounds. It is an intermediate in several industrial processes, such as the production of pesticides and pharmaceuticals. Isocyanic acid is also a significant species in atmospheric chemistry, playing a role in the formation of aerosols and influencing air quality.

Due to its reactivity, isocyanic acid readily undergoes polymerization to form cyanuric acid or other cyclic trimer and tetramer structures. It can also react with water to form carbon dioxide and ammonia. In biological systems, isocyanic acid can carbamoylate amino groups on proteins, a process known as carbamoylation. This modification has been linked to various pathological conditions, including autoimmune diseases and neurodegenerative disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer's disease. Safety precautions are necessary when handling isocyanic acid due to its toxicity and irritant properties.