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Urethane is a kind of polymer that contains organic chains of carbamate. Urethane is also known as ethyl carbamate. Its chemical formula is C3H7NO2. Urethane is one of the main ingredients of surface sealants, adhesives, and coatings. Urethane is obtained by the formal condensation of ethyl alcohol with carbamic acid. It belongs to the carbamate ester group.
Key Terms: Urethane, Ethyl Carbamate, Polymer, Decomposition, Crystalline Compound, Polyurethane, Amino Resins
What is Urethane?
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Urethane also referred to as ethyl carbamate, is the ethyl ester of carbamic acid. It has the chemical formula C3H7NO2. Urethane has a wide range of biological activities. It is also known as a multisite carcinogen capable of inducing tumours in various animal species.
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Structure of Urethane
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The structure of a molecule in chemistry means the arrangement of atoms and the chemical bonds that hold those atoms together. Hence, in urethane, its molecule contains a total of 12 bonds, of which, 5 are non-H bonds, 1 multiple bonds, 2 rotatable bonds, 1 double bond, and 1 (thio-) carbamate (aliphatic).
The above image of urethane is also called a skeletal formula, which is the standard notation for organic molecules.
Physical Properties of Urethane
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Here are the main physical properties of Urethane:
| Chemical Formula | C3H7NO2 |
| Boiling Point | 182 - 185 degrees Celsius |
| Melting Point | 46 - 50 degrees Celsius |
| Molecular Weight | 89.09 grams per mol |
| Density | 1.06 grams per cubic centimetres |
| Odor | Odourless |
| Appearance | White-colored solid |
| Solubility | Readily soluble in water, alcohol, and lipids |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.36 torr at 25 degrees Celsius |
Chemical Properties of Urethane
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Urethane is a colourless and odourless, crystalline compound that emits toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides when heated to decomposition. Urethane is majorly used in the production of amino resins, however, is also used in the manufacture of pesticides, fumigants, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Exposure to urethane can affect the central nervous system, and liver and can cause bone marrow suppression and can cause cancer in humans. Two of the chemical properties of urethane are given below.
- Urethane reacts with ethyl alcohol, which results in the formation of polyurethane and water. The chemical reaction is given below:C3H7NO2 + C2H5OH → NH2CH2CH2COOC2H5 + H2O
- Urethane undergoes a combustion reaction resulting in the formation of ammonia, carbon dioxide and water.
C3H7NO2 + 3O2 → NH3 + 3CO2 + 2H2O
Applications of Urethane
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There are a vast number of applications of urethane. We will be discussing some of the relevant uses of this organic compound.
- Being a flexible compound, urethane can be largely seen in comfort-giving products like beddings, furniture, seatings, etc.
- Urethane is mainly used in the production of amino resins.
- Urethane is also used in footwear, especially for athletics, to provide durability to it.
- Urethane also helps in keeping the buildings warm during winters and cool during hot summers.
- Small amounts of urethane were detected in fruit juices that had been treated with an antimicrobial agent, diethyl dicarbonate.
- Urethane is used as chemical products, for example, pharmaceuticals, in biochemical research and medicine, as pharmaceuticals in biochemical research and drug, and as a solubilizer and co-dissolvable for pesticides and fumigants.
Durable Urethane Rollers
Difference Between Polyurethane and Urethane
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Polyurethane is a class of polymers composed of organic units joined by urethane links. So, polyurethane is basically a group of urethane combined together. There is no difference between polyurethane and urethane. Even their uses, chemical, and physical properties are the same.
Things to Remember
- Urethane, also known as ethyl carbamate, is a colourless and odourless, crystalline compound that emits toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides when heated to decomposition.
- Urethane belongs to the carbamate ester group.
- Urethane is formed by the formal condensation of ethyl alcohol with carbamic acid.
- Urethan is mainly used in the production of amino resins.
- Exposure to urethane can affect the central nervous system, and liver, and can cause bone marrow suppression and can cause cancer in humans.
- Polyurethane is a class of polymers composed of organic units joined by urethane links. So, polyurethane is basically a group of urethane combined together.
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Sample Questions
Ques. What is the chemical formula of Urethane? What is the solubility of urethane? (3 Marks)
Ans. The chemical formula of urethane is C3H7NO2. Urethane has a broad scope of biological activities and is a known multisite carcinogen capable of inducing tumours in various animal species. Urethane is easily soluble in water, alcohol, and lipids.
Ques. Write five physical properties of Urethane. (3 Marks)
Ans. Five physical properties of urethane are:
- The density of Urethane is 1.06 grams per cubic centimetres.
- The melting point of urethane is 46 - 50 degrees Celsius.
- The boiling point of urethane is 182 - 185 degrees Celsius
- The molecular weight of urethane is 89.09 grams per mol.
- The vapour pressure of urethane is 0.36 torr at 25 degrees Celsius.
Ques. What is the difference between polyurethane and urethane? (3 Marks)
Ans. Polyurethane can be defined as a class of polymers composed of organic units joined by urethane links. Hence, we can say that polyurethane is a group of urethane combined together and there is no such difference between polyurethane and urethane. All of their uses, chemical and physical properties and bond properties are the same.
Ques. Write the two chemical properties of urethane. (3 Marks)
Ans. Two chemical properties of urethane are as follows:
- Urethane reacts with ethyl alcohol, leading to the formation of polyurethane and water.
C3H7NO2 + C2H5OH → NH2CH2CH2COOC2H5 + H2O
2. Urethane undergoes a combustion reaction leading to the formation of ammonia, carbon dioxide and water.
C3H7NO2 + 3O2 → NH3 + 3CO2 + 2H2O
Ques. What is the structure of Urethane? Urethane belongs to which functional group? (3 Marks)
Ans. A molecule of Urethane contains a total of 12 bonds, of which, 5 are non-H bonds, 1 multiple bond, 2 rotatable bonds, 1 double bond, and 1 (thio-) carbamate (aliphatic). Urethane belongs to the carbamate ester group.
Ques. What are the three uses of Urethane? (3 Marks)
Ans. Three uses of Urethane are
- Urethane is majorly used in the production of amino resins.
- It also helps in keeping the buildings warm during winters and cool during hot summers.
- Urethane is used in the manufacturing of pesticides, fumigates, and cosmetics. It is also used in footwear, especially for athletics, to provide durability to it.
Ques. How is Urethane formed? How is Urethane harmful to humans? (3 Marks)
Ans. Urethane is formed by the formal condensation of ethyl alcohol with carbamic acid. If exposed to Urethane, the central nervous system and liver can get affected and it can cause bone marrow suppression and can cause cancer in humans.
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