Carbamic acid

Carbamic acid is an organic compound that is the monoamide derivative of carbonic acid. It is a simple compound that is not typically isolated, but it is known to occur in the form of its esters (carbamates) and salts (carbamates).

Structure and properties

Carbamic acid is a simple molecule with the formula H_2NCOOH. It consists of a carboxyl group (COOH) and an amino group (NH_2) attached to the same carbon atom. The molecule is planar and has a dipole moment due to the polar nature of the C=O and N-H bonds.

Carbamic acid is unstable and decomposes readily to ammonia and carbon dioxide. This instability is due to the proximity of the amino and carboxyl groups, which leads to the formation of a five-membered ring in the transition state of the decomposition reaction.

Synthesis

Carbamic acid can be synthesized by the reaction of ammonia with carbon dioxide. This reaction is exothermic and proceeds readily at room temperature. However, the product is unstable and decomposes rapidly to the starting materials.

Uses

Carbamic acid itself has no significant industrial uses due to its instability. However, its esters (carbamates) and salts (carbamates) are widely used in a variety of applications. For example, carbamate esters are used as pesticides, herbicides, and pharmaceuticals. Carbamate salts are used in the treatment of certain medical conditions, such as myasthenia gravis and Alzheimer's disease.

See also

• Carbamate
• Urea
• Ammonia
• Carbon dioxide