Urea, chemically known as the diamide of carbonic acid (H2NCONH2), is a versatile compound primarily used in agriculture and industry. According to the provided reference, its key applications include serving as a fertilizer and feed supplement, and as a starting material for manufacturing plastics and drugs.
Key Uses of Urea
Urea is a colourless, crystalline substance with a melting point of 132.7° C (271° F). It has several important uses across different sectors.
Agricultural Applications
One of the most significant uses of urea is in agriculture.
- Fertilizer: Urea is widely used as a nitrogen-release fertilizer. It provides nitrogen to plants, which is essential for healthy growth, especially for leaf development.
- Feed Supplement: It is also utilized as a supplement in animal feed, particularly for ruminants like cattle, providing a source of nitrogen for protein synthesis by gut microbes.
Industrial Applications
Beyond agriculture, urea serves as a crucial raw material in various industrial processes.
- Starting Material for Plastics: Urea is a key component in the production of urea-formaldehyde resins, which are used in manufacturing plastics like particleboard, plywood, and adhesives.
- Starting Material for Drugs: It is also a foundational chemical used in the synthesis of various pharmaceutical compounds.
Here's a summary of its uses based on the reference:
| Sector | Primary Use |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Fertilizer, Feed Supplement |
| Industry | Starting Material for Plastics, Drugs |
These applications highlight urea's importance in both sustaining food production and enabling the creation of various manufactured goods.
