Carbamic acid
Carbamic Acid
Carbamic acid (pronunciation: /kɑːrˈbæmɪk ˈæsɪd/) is an organic compound that is the monoamide of carbonic acid. It is also known as aminomethanoic acid or aminoformic acid.
Etymology
The term "Carbamic" is derived from the Latin word carbo, meaning "coal", and the suffix -amic, which is derived from ammonium. The term "acid" comes from the Latin acidus, meaning "sour".
Structure and Properties
Carbamic acid is a simple molecule with the formula H_2NCOOH. It consists of a carboxyl group (-COOH) and an amino group (-NH_2) attached to the same carbon atom. This structure makes it an amide of carbonic acid.
Carbamic acid is unstable and decomposes easily to ammonia and carbon dioxide. It is usually encountered in the form of its esters, known as carbamates, which are more stable and have many uses in medicine and agriculture.
Related Terms
- Carbamate: An ester of carbamic acid. Used in many drugs and pesticides.
- Urea: A compound related to carbamic acid, produced by the body to eliminate nitrogen waste.
- Amide: A type of organic compound that includes carbamic acid.
- Carbonic Acid: The acid of which carbamic acid is an amide.
Medical Uses
Carbamic acid itself has no direct medical uses due to its instability. However, its esters, the carbamates, are used in a variety of medical applications. They are used as sedatives, muscle relaxants, and in the treatment of glaucoma and Alzheimer's disease.
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