N-Butylurea is a chemical compound that finds applications in various industries, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. In everyday life, N-Butylurea is used as a fertilizer additive to improve nutrient absorption in plants, as well as a component in certain skincare products. Additionally, N-Butylurea is utilized in the manufacturing of certain medications. Overall, the compound plays a significant role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of various products that we encounter in our day-to-day lives.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
N-Butylurea, a compound formed by the reaction between butylamine and urea, finds applications in various commercial and industrial settings. It is commonly used as a corrosion inhibitor in metalworking fluids, where it helps protect metal surfaces from rust and degradation. Additionally, N-Butylurea is utilized as a stabilizer in certain polymers and resins, improving their durability and shelf life.
In the realm of drug and medication applications, N-Butylurea has demonstrated potential as an anticonvulsant agent. Studies have shown that this compound exhibits anti-seizure activity in animal models, suggesting its possible relevance in the treatment of epilepsy and related disorders. Furthermore, N-Butylurea’s ability to modulate neural activity indicates its promise as a neuroprotective agent, warranting further research into its therapeutic potential.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
N-Butylurea is a colorless crystalline solid with a mild odor. It is not particularly volatile and does not emit a strong odor, making it suitable for various applications in the chemical industry.
With a molar mass of approximately 116.16 g/mol and a density of around 1.02 g/cm^3, N-Butylurea falls within the typical range of molecular weights and densities seen in common food items. It is slightly heavier and denser than water, which has a molar mass of 18.015 g/mol and a density of 1.0 g/cm^3.
N-Butylurea has a melting point of around 77-79 °C and a boiling point of approximately 251 °C. Compared to common food items such as sugar (melting point: 186 °C) and water (boiling point: 100 °C), N-Butylurea exhibits higher melting and boiling points, reflecting its more complex molecular structure.
N-Butylurea is sparingly soluble in water, forming a clear solution. It has a relatively low viscosity, similar to that of common food items like vinegar or vegetable oil. Despite its limited solubility, N-Butylurea’s viscosity allows for easy handling and mixing in various industrial processes.
🏭 Production & Procurement
N-Butylurea is primarily produced through a reaction between butylamine and urea in the presence of a catalyst. This synthesis process results in the formation of N-Butylurea as a white crystalline solid, which is then purified and separated from any impurities.
The procurement of N-Butylurea typically involves purchasing the compound from chemical suppliers or manufacturers. It is commonly available in various grade purities, depending on the intended use. The transportation of N-Butylurea is done through secure and regulated methods to ensure safety and compliance with handling protocols.
Once procured, N-Butylurea is typically stored in airtight containers away from moisture and heat to maintain its stability and purity. Proper labeling and handling procedures should be followed to ensure safe storage and usage of the compound. When transporting N-Butylurea, it is essential to comply with all relevant regulations and guidelines to prevent any accidents or mishandling during transit.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety considerations for N-Butylurea include its potential to cause skin and eye irritation upon contact. It is important to handle this chemical with care, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and safety goggles, to avoid any adverse effects. N-Butylurea should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials to prevent any hazardous reactions.
Hazard statements for N-Butylurea include its ability to cause skin and eye irritation upon contact. It may also be harmful if swallowed or inhaled, leading to potential health risks. It is important to handle this chemical with caution, following proper safety protocols and using the appropriate protective equipment to minimize exposure.
Precautionary statements for N-Butylurea include avoiding direct contact with the skin, eyes, and clothing. It is recommended to wash hands thoroughly after handling this chemical and to use in a well-ventilated area to prevent inhalation exposure. In case of ingestion or inhalation, seek medical attention immediately and provide the medical personnel with the Safety Data Sheet for proper treatment guidance.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
Potential research directions for N-Butylurea include investigating its applications in organic synthesis as a versatile building block due to its ability to act as a carbonylating agent. Additionally, further studies could explore the potential of N-Butylurea as a catalyst in various chemical reactions, such as the reduction of carbonyl compounds. Furthermore, research could be conducted on the development of novel methods for the synthesis of N-Butylurea derivatives with enhanced properties for specific applications in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to N-Butylurea is N-Ethylurea, which has a molecular structure resembling that of N-Butylurea but with an ethyl group in place of the butyl group. This compound is commonly used in organic synthesis and pharmaceutical research due to its structural similarities to N-Butylurea.
Another similar compound is N-Propylurea, which shares a structural resemblance with N-Butylurea but has a propyl group instead of a butyl group. This compound is utilized in various chemical reactions and serves as a building block for the synthesis of other compounds with nitrogen-containing functional groups.
N-Methylurea is also a compound structurally similar to N-Butylurea, featuring a methyl group in place of the butyl group. This compound is often employed in biochemical assays and as a reagent in organic chemistry reactions due to its similar molecular structure to N-Butylurea.