Oxamide, a chemical compound primarily used in industrial applications such as textile and leather processing, also plays a role in everyday life. This compound can be found in certain medications and agricultural products. Additionally, oxamide is a potential building block for new materials and has been studied for its potential use in other industries. Its versatility and importance in various sectors demonstrate the relevance of oxamide to everyday life.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
Oxamide, a compound with the chemical formula (CO(NH2)2), finds various applications in commercial and industrial settings. One of its primary uses is as a raw material in the production of herbicides, explosives, and other agricultural chemicals. It is also utilized in the manufacturing of synthetic fibers, plastics, and pharmaceuticals due to its ability to act as a cross-linking agent.
In drug and medication applications, oxamide has been studied for its potential use as an antihypertensive agent. Research has shown that oxamide derivatives can exhibit inhibitory effects on certain enzymes related to blood pressure regulation, making them promising candidates for the development of new medications. Additionally, oxamide has shown potential in cancer research, with studies investigating its role in inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis. Such findings suggest a future role for oxamide in the field of oncology.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
Oxamide, also known as ethanediamide or oxalic acid diamide, is a white crystalline solid with no distinct odor. It is soluble in water and has a slightly bitter taste. When heated, oxamide decomposes into ammonia and oxalic acid.
The molar mass of oxamide is approximately 74.07 g/mol, with a density of about 1.40 g/cm³. This places it in the same range as common food items like table salt (58.44 g/mol, 2.17 g/cm³) and sugar (342.30 g/mol, 1.59 g/cm³), making oxamide relatively light compared to table salt and denser than sugar.
Oxamide has a melting point of around 303°C and a boiling point of approximately 365°C. In comparison, common food items like butter (melting point: 32-35°C, boiling point: 150-180°C) and chocolate (melting point: 34-38°C, boiling point: 110°C) have much lower melting and boiling points than oxamide.
Oxamide is highly soluble in water, forming a clear solution. It has a relatively low viscosity, which means it flows easily. In contrast, common food items like flour or cornstarch may be less soluble in water and have higher viscosities, making them thicker and harder to dissolve.
🏭 Production & Procurement
Oxamide, an organic compound with the chemical formula C2H4N2O2, is primarily produced through a reaction between oxalic acid and ammonia. This reaction results in the formation of oxamide crystals, which are then purified and dried for use in various industrial applications.
Oxamide can be procured from chemical suppliers or manufacturers who produce and distribute the compound for commercial use. It is typically sold in the form of solid crystals or powder, packaged in containers suitable for transportation and storage. Transportation of oxamide is typically done via truck, rail, or ship, depending on the quantity and destination of the product.
In addition to commercial procurement, oxamide can also be synthesized in laboratory settings through controlled reactions between oxalic acid and ammonia. This method allows researchers and scientists to produce oxamide in smaller quantities for experimental purposes. However, due to the hazardous nature of some of the chemicals involved in the production process, proper safety precautions must be taken when handling and synthesizing oxamide.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety considerations for Oxamide include the potential for irritation of the skin, eyes, and respiratory system upon exposure. It is advised to handle this substance in a well-ventilated area and wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles. In case of ingestion, seek medical attention immediately and do not induce vomiting.
Hazard statements for Oxamide include “Causes skin irritation,” “Causes serious eye irritation,” and “May cause respiratory irritation.” These statements indicate the potential risks associated with handling and exposure to this substance. It is important to take necessary precautions to prevent any adverse effects on health.
Precautionary statements for Oxamide include “Wash hands thoroughly after handling,” “Wear protective gloves/eye protection/face protection,” and “IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.” These statements provide guidance on how to safely handle and use Oxamide to minimize the risk of harm. It is crucial to follow these precautions to ensure the well-being of individuals working with this substance.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
One potential research direction for Oxamide is its use as a ligand in coordination chemistry studies. Its ability to form stable complexes with metal ions makes it a promising candidate for investigating metal-ligand interactions.
Another avenue of research could explore the potential pharmaceutical applications of Oxamide. Its structural similarities to compounds with known bioactive properties suggest that it may have medicinal properties worth exploring.
Additionally, research could be conducted on the environmental impact of Oxamide and its degradation products. Understanding its behavior in natural systems could lead to insights into its potential long-term effects on the environment.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to Oxamide based upon molecular structure is Thiourea. Thiourea is a compound with the molecular formula CH4N2S, which is similar to the molecular formula of Oxamide (C2H4N2O2). Thiourea also contains two nitrogen atoms and two carbon atoms, similar to Oxamide. However, instead of oxygen, Thiourea contains a sulfur atom, making it a structurally similar compound to Oxamide.
Another compound with a similar molecular structure to Oxamide is Ethylenediamine. Ethylenediamine has the molecular formula C2H8N2, which shares similarities with the molecular formula of Oxamide. Both compounds contain two carbon atoms and two nitrogen atoms. However, Ethylenediamine lacks oxygen atoms in its structure, distinguishing it from Oxamide. Despite this difference, the structural similarities between Ethylenediamine and Oxamide are notable.
Additionally, Urea is another compound that bears resemblance to Oxamide in terms of molecular structure. Urea has the molecular formula CH4N2O, similar to the molecular formula of Oxamide. Both compounds contain two nitrogen atoms and one carbon atom. However, Urea lacks an additional carbon atom present in the structure of Oxamide. The structural similarities between Urea and Oxamide are evident, making Urea a compound akin to Oxamide based on molecular structure.
