What Is NH₂CONH₂ Called?

NH₂CONH₂ is called urea, also known as carbamide in IUPAC nomenclature.

Common Names:

• Urea (most widely used)
• Carbamide (IUPAC name)
• Carbonyl diamide

Chemical Structure:

• O=C(NH₂)₂
• Central carbonyl group (C=O)
• Two amino groups (-NH₂)
• Simplest organic compound of carbonic acid series

Significance:

1. Biological:

• Major nitrogen-containing waste product in mammals
• Formed in the liver from ammonia
• Excreted in urine

2. Industrial:

• Fertilizer (46% nitrogen content)
• Raw material for plastics, resins
• Animal feed supplement
• Pharmaceutical applications

3. Historical:

• First organic compound synthesized from inorganic materials (1828, Friedrich Wöhler)
• Breakthrough in organic chemistry

Properties:

• Molecular formula: CH₄N₂O
• White crystalline solid
• Highly soluble in water

Key Takeaways:

• Common name: urea
• IUPAC name: carbamide
• Formula: NH₂CONH₂ or CH₄N₂O
• Important in biology and industry