Thiourea
Description
Thiourea (CAS 62-56-6) is an organosulfur compound used across chemical synthesis, surface treatment, and industrial processing as a reducing agent, complexing agent, and reaction intermediate.
It functions as a catalyst precursor and auxiliary chemical in processes where controlled sulfur donation or metal ion sequestration is required for specific chemical transformations.
In pharmaceutical manufacturing, this compound serves as a key intermediate in synthesizing active compounds, including certain antithyroid drugs and antimicrobial agents for medical use.
The printing and packaging industry uses it in photographic fixing baths and toning solutions, where its metal-complexing behavior controls image development chemistry and stability.
In textile and leather processing, it acts as a reducing agent for bleaching and surface preparation. It also functions as a catalyst precursor in hydrothermal synthesis routes.
These routes are essential for sulfide-based nanomaterials and pigments. The product is supplied as a white crystalline powder or granules available in technical grade for industrial applications.
Higher-purity grades are available meeting pharmaceutical or reagent specifications. Standard packaging ranges from small quantities for laboratory use to bulk industrial quantities.
Purity is typically specified at 99% or above for most commercial grades. This ensures consistent performance across diverse manufacturing and laboratory environments worldwide.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 176-178 °C |
| Boiling Point | 150-160 °C |
| Density | 1.405 g/cm³ |
| Appearance | Thiourea consists of colorless, lustrous crystals or powder with a bitter taste. |
| Color | White to almost white |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Form | Crystals |
| Water Solubility | 13.6 g/100 mL (20 ºC) |
| Refractive Index | 1.5300 (estimate) |
| pH | 6-8 (50g/l, H2O, 20℃) |
| Log P | -1.050 (est) |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29309070 |
| UN Number | 2811 |
| ADR Class | 6.1 |
| Packing Group | III |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
| WGK (Germany) | 2 |
Documentation
Other Names
thiocarbonic acid diamide|carbonothioic diamide|2-thiourea|Sulfourea|Sulourea|2-Thiopseudourea|Urea, thio-|Pseudourea, 2-thio-|(NH2)2CS.
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