What Is Urea Nitrate?
Urea nitrate, with the formula CH5N3O4, is a urea complex salt formed from nitric acid and urea. It is known for producing a precipitate when reacted with nitric acid, identifiable by CAS number 124-47-0. Although it is explosive under heat and shock, it is relatively safe under standard conditions.
Uses of Urea Nitrate
Primarily, urea nitrate functions as an explosive sensitizer, explosive, desulfurizer, and organic reagent. It is a secondary explosive used in improvised explosive devices (IEDs) due to its synthesis ease from commonly produced fertilizer industry chemicals. Although its nitrogen content suggests potential as a fertilizer, its high acidity has limited this application. It also serves as an organic reagent in various chemical reactions.
Properties of Urea Nitrate
This compound is a white crystalline powder that decomposes at 152°C, releasing urea in aqueous solution and exhibiting acidity. It is soluble in hot water but insoluble in nitric acid, ether, chloroform, and benzene. Not hygroscopic by itself, its hygroscopicity increases when mixed with certain inorganic salts.
Types of Urea Nitrate
Marketed mainly for research and development as a wetted reagent to mitigate explosive risks, urea nitrate is available in laboratory-friendly quantities.
Other Information on Urea Nitrate
1. Chemical Reaction of Urea Nitrate
Highly reactive, urea nitrate can violently burn or explode upon heating or impact. It produces hazardous decomposition products and should be kept away from ignition sources.
2. Hazardousness of Urea Nitrate
Recognized as a hazardous substance, urea nitrate requires careful handling and personal protective equipment to mitigate risks of explosion, skin irritation, eye damage, and airway irritation.
3. Regulatory Information for Urea Nitrate
Urea nitrate’s explosive nature subjects it to strict regulatory controls under various safety laws, emphasizing the need for caution in its transport and handling.