Hydrogen cyanamide

Hydrogen cyanamide is a chemical compound with the formula H2NCN. It is a white solid that is widely used in agriculture.

Chemical Properties

Hydrogen cyanamide is a cyanamide, consisting of a cyano group (-CN) linked to an amino group (-NH2). It is a white crystalline solid that is soluble in water and polar organic solvents. It decomposes upon heating to form ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, and nitrogen.

Synthesis

Hydrogen cyanamide can be synthesized from calcium cyanamide and sulfuric acid. The calcium cyanamide reacts with the sulfuric acid to form hydrogen cyanamide and calcium sulfate. This reaction is exothermic and releases heat.

Uses

The primary use of hydrogen cyanamide is in agriculture, where it is used as a plant growth regulator. It is particularly effective in promoting the bud break of grapevines and fruit trees after a period of dormancy. This allows for a more uniform and earlier bud break, which can be beneficial in regions with short growing seasons.

Hydrogen cyanamide is also used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and other organic compounds. It is a versatile reagent that can be used to introduce both amino and cyano groups into a molecule.

Safety

Hydrogen cyanamide is a hazardous substance. It is toxic if ingested or inhaled, and can cause severe skin and eye irritation. It is also a suspected carcinogen. Proper safety precautions should be taken when handling this chemical.

See Also

• Calcium cyanamide
• Cyanamide
• Plant growth regulator