Description

Urea or carbamide is an organic compound with the chemical formula CO(NH2)2. The molecule has two —NH2 groups joined by acarbonyl (C=O) functional group.

Urea serves an important role in the metabolism of nitrogen-containing compounds by animals and is the main nitrogen-containing substance in the urine of mammals. It is a colorless, odorless solid, highly soluble in water and practically non-toxic (LD50 is 15 g/kg for rats).

Dissolved in water, it is neither acidic nor alkaline. The body uses it in many processes, the most notable one being nitrogen excretion.

Specifications:

Application:

A component of animal feed, providing a relatively cheap source of nitrogen to promote growth

A non-corroding alternative to rock salt for road de-icing, and the hardening of ski-resort terrain park take-offs and landings

A flavor-enhancing additive for cigarettes

A main ingredient in hair removers such as Nair and Veet

A browning agent in factory-produced pretzels

An ingredient in some skin cream, moisturizers, hair conditioners

A reactant in some ready-to-use cold compresses for first-aid use, due to the endothermic reaction it creates when mixed with water

A cloud seeding agent, along with other salts

A flame-proofing agent, commonly used in dry chemical fire extinguisher charges such as the urea-potassium bicarbonate mixture

An ingredient in many tooth whitening products

An ingredient in dish soap

Along with ammonium phosphate, as a yeast nutrient, for fermentation of sugars into ethanol

A nutrient used by plankton in ocean nourishment experiments for geoengineering purposes

As an additive to extend the working temperature and open time of hide glue

As a solubility-enhancing and moisture-retaining additive to dye baths for textile dyeing or printing.