Urea

Chemical compound

Molecular structure of urea

Urea process plant

Historical urea plant

Urea, also known as carbamide, is an organic compound with the chemical formula (NH_)_CO. It is a colorless, odorless solid, highly soluble in water, and practically non-toxic. Urea is widely used in fertilizers as a source of nitrogen and is an important raw material for the chemical industry.

Production

Urea is produced commercially from ammonia and carbon dioxide in a process known as the Bosch-Meiser urea process. This process involves the reaction of ammonia with carbon dioxide at high temperature and pressure to form ammonium carbamate, which is then dehydrated to form urea.

Uses

Urea is primarily used as a fertilizer, providing a readily available source of nitrogen to plants. It is also used in the manufacture of plastics, adhesives, and resins. In the medical field, urea is used in topical creams to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

Biological role

In the human body, urea is a waste product formed in the liver through the urea cycle, which converts toxic ammonia into urea for excretion in urine. This process is crucial for the removal of excess nitrogen from the body.

Environmental impact

The use of urea as a fertilizer can lead to environmental issues such as eutrophication and the release of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas. Proper management and application techniques are essential to minimize these impacts.

Related pages

• Ammonia
• Fertilizer
• Organic chemistry