What are the hydrolysis products of Cyanamide 420 - 04 - 2?

Cyanamide, with the CAS number 420 - 04 - 2, is a significant chemical compound widely used in various industrial and agricultural applications. As a reliable supplier of Cyanamide, we are well - versed in its properties, production, and hydrolysis products. In this blog, we will delve into the details of the hydrolysis products of Cyanamide 420 - 04 - 2.

Chemical Structure and Properties of Cyanamide

Cyanamide has the chemical formula H₂NCN. It is a colorless, hygroscopic solid or a colorless to pale - yellow liquid in its commercial forms. Cyanamide is highly reactive due to the presence of the nitrile group (-CN) and the amino group (-NH₂). This reactivity makes it a versatile compound in chemical synthesis and other applications.

Hydrolysis Reaction of Cyanamide

Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction in which a compound reacts with water. The hydrolysis of Cyanamide can occur under different conditions, such as acidic, basic, or neutral environments, and the products vary accordingly.

Acidic Hydrolysis

In an acidic medium, cyanamide first undergoes protonation. The reaction starts when the lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom of the amino group (-NH₂) in cyanamide attacks a proton (H⁺) from the acid. The protonated cyanamide then reacts with water.

The initial step of acidic hydrolysis of cyanamide results in the formation of urea (CO(NH₂)₂). The reaction mechanism involves the addition of water across the C≡N bond. The protonated cyanamide reacts with a water molecule, where the oxygen atom of water attacks the electrophilic carbon atom of the nitrile group. After a series of proton - transfer steps and rearrangements, urea is formed. The chemical equation for this reaction is:

H₂NCN + H₂O → CO(NH₂)₂

Urea is a very important industrial chemical. It is widely used as a nitrogen - rich fertilizer in agriculture. The high nitrogen content (about 46%) makes it an efficient source of nitrogen for plants. In addition, urea is also used in the production of plastics, resins, and adhesives. For example, in the production of urea - formaldehyde resins, urea reacts with formaldehyde to form a polymer that is used in particleboard and plywood manufacturing.

If the acidic hydrolysis is carried out under more severe conditions or with an excess of acid and water, urea can further hydrolyze. Urea reacts with water in the presence of acid to form ammonium carbonate ((NH₄)₂CO₃). The reaction proceeds as follows:

CO(NH₂)₂ + 2H₂O → (NH₄)₂CO₃

Ammonium carbonate is a white crystalline solid that decomposes easily to ammonia (NH₃) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) when heated or exposed to air. Ammonia is an important industrial chemical used in the production of fertilizers, nitric acid, and various organic compounds.

Basic Hydrolysis

In a basic medium, the hydroxide ion (OH⁻) attacks the carbon atom of the nitrile group in cyanamide. The reaction mechanism is different from that in acidic hydrolysis. The initial product of basic hydrolysis is also urea. The hydroxide ion adds to the carbon atom of the C≡N bond, and after a series of steps involving proton - transfer and rearrangement, urea is formed.

If the basic hydrolysis continues, urea can further react with hydroxide ions. Urea is hydrolyzed to ammonium carbonate in the presence of a strong base. The ammonium carbonate then decomposes to ammonia and carbonate ions in the basic solution. The overall reaction can be represented as:

H₂NCN + 3H₂O + 2OH⁻ → 2NH₃ + CO₃²⁻+ 2H₂O

The ammonia produced in this reaction can be captured and used in various industrial processes, such as the Haber - Bosch process for ammonia synthesis or in the production of ammonium salts.

Neutral Hydrolysis

In a neutral environment, the hydrolysis of cyanamide is relatively slow compared to acidic or basic conditions. However, over time, cyanamide can still react with water to form urea. The reaction rate is influenced by factors such as temperature and the presence of catalysts.

Applications of Hydrolysis Products

The hydrolysis products of cyanamide, especially urea and ammonia, have a wide range of applications.

Urea

As mentioned earlier, urea is a key fertilizer in agriculture. It is easy to handle, store, and apply. Urea can be used in both granular and liquid forms. In addition to its use in fertilizers, urea is also used in the pharmaceutical industry. It can be used as a component in some topical creams and lotions due to its moisturizing and keratolytic properties.

Ammonia

Ammonia is a crucial industrial chemical. Besides being used in the production of fertilizers, it is also used in the refrigeration industry. Ammonia has excellent thermodynamic properties, making it an efficient refrigerant. It is also used in the production of nitric acid, which is used in the manufacture of explosives, dyes, and pharmaceuticals.

Our Products Related to Cyanamide

As a cyanamide supplier, we offer a variety of cyanamide - related products. We have 50% Cyanamide, which is a commonly used form in many industrial applications. The 50% cyanamide solution is more stable and easier to handle compared to the pure compound. It is often used in the synthesis of various organic compounds and in the production of specialty chemicals.

We also provide Calcium Carbide for Chemical. Calcium carbide is an important raw material in the production of cyanamide. The reaction between calcium carbide and nitrogen at high temperatures (around 1000 - 1200°C) produces calcium cyanamide (CaCN₂), which can then be further processed to obtain cyanamide.

In addition, we offer 30% Cyanamide. The 30% solution is suitable for applications where a lower concentration of cyanamide is required, such as in some research and development projects or in certain agricultural applications.

Contact for Purchase and Negotiation

If you are interested in our cyanamide products or have any questions about the hydrolysis products of cyanamide, please feel free to contact us. We are committed to providing high - quality products and excellent customer service. Whether you are in the agricultural, chemical, or other industries, we can offer you the right cyanamide products to meet your specific needs.

References

1. "Advanced Organic Chemistry: Reactions, Mechanisms, and Structure" by Jerry March.
2. "Industrial Chemistry" by Geoffrey M. Hornby.
3. "Agricultural Chemistry: Principles and Applications" by John P. Fenn.