Urea

Urea (CAS 57-13-6), also known as carbamide, is one of the most commercially significant nitrogen compounds in global trade, supplying high-concentration nitrogen to agricultural and industrial markets alike.

Where is Urea used?

• Agriculture: dominant solid nitrogen fertilizer applied directly to soil or converted into liquid UAN solutions for crop nutrition
• Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals: keratolytic humectant in topical creams, lotions, and medicated skin preparations
• Wood panel industry: primary feedstock for urea-formaldehyde resins used in adhesives, laminates, and particleboard binders
• Textiles and paper: solubilizing and wetting agent during reactive dyeing and coating operations
• It functions as a nitrogen source, humectant, protein denaturant, and chemical intermediate.
• Chemical synthesis: used in the production of medical drugs, dyes, disinfectants, fish oils, and omega 3.
• Animal feed: cattle and other animals can convert it into protein.
• Emission control: used to reduce nitrogen oxides emissions from transport and stationary sources.
• Surface-applied urea can lose ammonia depending on conditions; incorporation, rainfall, and irrigation timing should be considered in the application plan.

Formulation notes

• Must not be placed in contact with or near germinating seed due to risk of germination damage.
• Granular and prilled urea differ in particle size, moisture, biuret, and strength values depending on manufacturer and product grade.
• For dairy cows, the recommended feed dosage is 25 g per 100 kg bodyweight per day.
• For veal and calves, the recommended feed dosage is 30 g per 100 kg bodyweight per day.

Typical specification

• Agricultural urea N46 contains approximately 46% nitrogen by dry weight.
• Urea 46 is available in granular and prilled forms.
• Biuret content limit is specified according to the application and must be stated in the request.
• Technical grade urea with 46% nitrogen content is available on the market.

Regulatory status

• Registered substance in the ECHA REACH chemicals database.
• Under the Globally Harmonized System, classified as not a hazardous substance or mixture.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Store in a dry and sheltered area to prevent moisture ingress and packaging damage according to manufacturer instructions.
• Commonly technical urea is delivered as white granules in bulk or packaged in 25 kg bags, 500 kg big bags, 1000 kg big bags, or truck-silo.
• Technical urea is hygroscopic and requires dry storage with limited contact with moisture and contaminants.

Frequently asked questions about Urea

What is the nitrogen and crude protein content of the final feed product?

The final feed product contains 46% nitrogen and a crude protein content of 288%, with low moisture and ash content.

What form is technical urea supplied in and does it contain an anti-caking agent?

Technical urea is supplied in prill form, as small spherical particles, with or without anti-caking agent.

Can fertilizer-grade urea be used for technical-grade or special-purity applications?

Fertilizer-grade urea cannot be automatically used for technical-grade or special-purity applications without confirmation of suitability.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.