Thiourea

Thiourea is an organosulfur compound with the formula SC(NH2)2. It is structurally similar to urea, except that the oxygen atom is replaced by a sulfur atom, but the properties of urea and thiourea differ significantly. Thiourea is a reagent in organic synthesis.

Properties[edit | edit source]

Thiourea is a white crystalline solid that is soluble in water and ethanol. It has a melting point of 182 degrees Celsius and a boiling point of 126 degrees Celsius. It is stable under normal temperatures and pressures, but it can decompose when heated.

Production[edit | edit source]

Thiourea can be produced from ammonium thiocyanate. The reaction involves heating the ammonium thiocyanate, which results in the thiourea product. This is a dangerous process, as the reaction can be explosive.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Thiourea is used in various applications. It is used as a fixative in photography, as a reagent in organic synthesis, and as a component in the production of flame retardant resins. It is also used in the textile industry for dyeing processes, and in the rubber industry for the vulcanization of rubber.

Health effects[edit | edit source]

Exposure to thiourea can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. It can also cause nausea, headache, and dizziness. Long-term exposure can lead to more serious health effects, such as damage to the liver and kidneys.

See also[edit | edit source]

Thiourea Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.