Urea | Definition, Symbol, Uses, & Facts

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Urea Definition

Urea is an organic compound with the chemical formula (NH2)2CO.

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It is a colorless, odorless, and highly soluble solid that is commonly used in fertilizers and as a feedstock in the production of plastics, resins, and adhesives.

Urea has a wide range of applications in various industries due to its versatility and low cost.

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It is commonly used in the production of nitrogen-containing fertilizers, which are essential for promoting plant growth and crop yields. Urea can also be used as a reducing agent in the production of metals, such as steel, and as a component in the manufacture of adhesives and coatings.

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In medicine, urea is used as a diuretic to help remove excess fluids from the body, particularly in cases of edema or congestive heart failure.

It can also be used to treat certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema, as a keratolytic agent to soften and remove dead skin cells.

Urea is considered a safe and effective ingredient in many personal care and cosmetic products, including moisturizers, shampoos, and conditioners.

Its ability to attract and retain moisture makes it a popular choice for hydrating and softening the skin and hair.

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Overall, urea is a versatile and useful compound with a wide range of applications in various industries and fields, from agriculture to medicine to cosmetics.

Its ability to promote growth, remove excess fluids, and soften and hydrate the skin and hair make it an important ingredient in many products and formulations.

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Urea Symbol

The chemical symbol for urea is CO(NH2)2.

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Urea Uses

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Various industries and the ways in which urea is used

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Industry	Urea Uses
Agriculture	Used as a nitrogen fertilizer for crops and plants
Automotive	Used as a reducing agent in diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions
Chemical	Used as a reactant and intermediate in the production of various chemicals, such as plastics, resins, adhesives, and pharmaceuticals
Cosmetics	Used as a moisturizer and humectant in skin care products
Food	Used as a dough conditioner and flavor enhancer in baked goods and as a preservative in processed meats
Medical	Used as a diuretic medication to treat edema (fluid retention) and congestive heart failure
Textile	Used as a finishing agent to improve dye absorption and colorfastness in fabrics
Animal Feed	Used as a source of non-protein nitrogen (NPN) to supplement the protein content in livestock feed
Energy	Used in natural gas processing to remove sulfur compounds
Paper	Used as a paper strengthener and to enhance paper whiteness
Water treatment	Used as a nitrogen source in wastewater treatment to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria
Dyeing	Used as a mordant to fix dyes to fabrics
Leather	Used as a tanning agent to preserve and soften animal hides
Photography	Used as a toner in black and white photographic processing
Cleaning	Used as a cleaning agent for a variety of surfaces and materials

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It’s worth noting that urea has many other uses beyond those listed in this table, including in the production of industrial coatings, water treatment, and even as a component in some explosives.

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Urea Interesting Facts

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Urea facts & data

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Fact	Description
Discovery	Urea was first synthesized in 1828 by Friedrich Wöhler, who accidentally produced it while attempting to synthesize ammonium cyanate.
Occurrence	Urea is found naturally in the urine of mammals and some fish and birds, where it serves as a waste product of protein metabolism.
Structure	Urea has a planar, symmetrical structure with two amine groups (NH2) and one carbonyl group (C=O) on either side of a central carbon atom.
Solubility	Urea is highly soluble in water, with a solubility of 108 g/L at room temperature.
Industrial production	Urea is primarily produced by reacting ammonia and carbon dioxide in a high-pressure, high-temperature process known as the Haber-Bosch process.
Uses	In addition to its uses in agriculture, automotive, and other industries, urea is also used in scientific research as a protein denaturant and a component of some laboratory buffers.
Properties	Urea has a melting point of 132.7°C and a boiling point of 224.5°C, and is odorless and colorless.
Medical uses	In addition to its use as a diuretic, urea is also used in topical creams and ointments to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
History	In ancient times, urine was collected and used as a source of urea for various purposes, including in tanning leather and cleaning fabrics.
Safety	While urea is generally considered safe for use in its intended applications, exposure to high concentrations of urea can cause irritation and potentially more serious health effects.