Nitrourea
| Names | |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name
N-Nitrourea
| |
| Other names
1-Nitrourea
N-Nitrocarbamide | |
| Properties | |
| CH3N3O3 | |
| Molar mass | 105.053 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless solid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.73 g/cm3 |
| Melting point | 158 °C (316 °F; 431 K) (decomposes)[3] |
| Boiling point | Decomposition |
| 20 g/100 ml[1] | |
| Solubility in acetone | 41 g/100 ml[2] |
| Solubility in ethanol | 17.2 g/100 ml |
| Solubility in methanol | 43 g/100 ml |
| Vapor pressure | ~0 mmHg |
| Hazards | |
| Safety data sheet | None |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds
|
Nitroguanidine |
| Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
| Infobox references | |
Nitrourea (NU), also known as N-nitrourea is an organic chemical compound, a powerful explosive material. It has the formula H2NC(O)NH(NO2).
Contents
Properties
Chemical
Nitrourea hydrolyzes to form nitroamide and isocyanic acid.
Nitrourea burns when ignited and may explode under the right circumstances.
Physical
Nitrourea is a hygroscopic white solid, soluble in water.
Explosive
Nitrourea is mildly sensitive to heat and shock, may explode under exposure to intense heat or fire.
Availability
Nitrourea is not sold by chemical suppliers and has to be made in situ.
Preparation
Nitrourea can be prepared via dehydration of urea nitrate with concentrated sulfuric acid at temperatures below 0 °C, under stirring.[4]
Another route described uses glacial acetic acid and acetic anhydride.[5]
Projects
- Pyrotechnic demonstrations
Handling
Safety
Nitrourea is a powerful explosive material and should be handled with care.
Storage
Should not be stored for long periods of time, as it's prone to hydrolysis.
Disposal
Should be diluted and hydrolyzed.
References
- ↑ http://energetics.chm.uri.edu/system/files/UN%20and%20NU.pdf
- ↑ http://energetics.chm.uri.edu/system/files/UN%20and%20NU.pdf
- ↑ http://energetics.chm.uri.edu/system/files/UN%20and%20NU.pdf
- ↑ http://www.orgsyn.org/demo.aspx?prep=CV1P0417
- ↑ C.P. Spaeth, N.J. Woodbury, Preparation of Nitrourea. US Patent Feb. 23, 1943
