Guanidine

Guanidine is a compound with the formula HN=C(NH2)2. It is a colourless solid that dissolves in polar solvents. It is a strong base that is used in the production of plastics and explosives. It is found in urine as a normal product of protein metabolism. Guanidine is the compound with the highest pH value recorded.

Chemical Properties

Guanidine is a strong organic base, stronger than ammonia. It also acts as a nucleophile. The pKa of the guanidinium cation is 13.6. The related compound biguanide is also a potent base.

Uses

Guanidine is used in a variety of industrial applications, including as a plasticizer, a curing agent in epoxy resins, and a propellant for explosives. It is also used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disease.

Health Effects

Exposure to guanidine can cause skin and eye irritation, and prolonged exposure can lead to more serious health effects such as respiratory distress and neurological damage.

See Also

• Biguanide
• Myasthenia gravis
• Respiratory distress
• Neurological damage

Guanidine

• Guanidinium ion 3D balls model
  Guanidinium ion 3D balls model
• Guanidinium ion 2D skeletal structure
  Guanidinium ion 2D skeletal structure
• Guanidinium ion canonical forms 2D skeletal
  Guanidinium ion canonical forms 2D skeletal
• Guanidine group 2D skeletal structure
  Guanidine group 2D skeletal structure