Urethane

Urethane, also known as ethyl carbamate, is an organic compound with the formula (CH3)2NHCOOCH2CH3. It is a colorless, odorless, crystalline compound, which is soluble in water and most organic solvents. Urethane is used in a wide range of applications, including as a solvent, in the manufacture of resins and plastics, and in the production of pharmaceuticals.

History[edit | edit source]

Urethane was first synthesized in 1828 by the German chemist Friedrich Wöhler. He discovered it as a byproduct of his attempts to synthesize urea from ammonium chloride and silver cyanate. This discovery marked a significant milestone in the history of organic chemistry, as it was the first time a compound had been created in the laboratory that was previously only known to exist in living organisms.

Production[edit | edit source]

Urethane is produced by reacting ethanol with isocyanic acid. This reaction is highly exothermic and results in the formation of urethane and water. The reaction can be carried out in the presence of a catalyst, such as a strong acid or base, to increase the rate of reaction.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Urethane is used in a variety of applications. It is a common solvent in the paint and coatings industry, and is also used in the manufacture of resins and plastics. In the pharmaceutical industry, urethane is used as a starting material for the synthesis of a number of drugs.

Health effects[edit | edit source]

Exposure to urethane can cause a number of health effects. It is a known carcinogen and has been linked to an increased risk of lung and bladder cancer. Long-term exposure can also cause damage to the liver and kidneys.

References[edit | edit source]

Urethane 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.