Urethane - C3H7NO2

What is Urethane?

Urethane is also called as ethyl carbamate is the ethyl ester of carbamic acid with the chemical formula C₃H₇NO₂.

It has a broad spectrum of biological activities and is known multisite carcinogen capable of inducing tumors in various animal species. In 1976 Ough was the first to demonstrate that ethyl carbamate was formed naturally in fermented foods such as bread, beer, soy sauce and wine.

Other name – Ethyl carbamate

Urethane Structure – C₃H₇NO₂

Urethane Structure – C3H7NO2

Physical Properties of Urethane – C₃H₇NO₂

Chemical Properties of Urethane – C₃H₇NO₂

• • Urethane reacts with ethyl alcohol results in the formation of polyurethane and water. The chemical reaction is given below.

C₃H₇NO₂ + C₂H₅OH → NH₂CH₂CH₂COOC₂H₅ + H₂O

• • Urethane undergoes combustion reaction resulting in the formation of ammonia, carbon dioxide and water.

C₃H₇NO₂ + 3O₂ → NH₃ + 3CO₂ + 2H₂O

Uses of Urethane – C₃H₇NO₂

• Small amounts of ethyl carbamate were detected in fruit juices (9) that had been treated with an antimicrobial agent diethyl dicarbonate .
• Labelling experiments subsequently showed that urethane was formed from the reaction of DEDC with residual ammonia and that this mechanism could account for amounts found in orange juice, wine and beer.
• Used as chemical products, for example, pharmaceuticals, in biochemical research and medicine, and as a pharmaceuticals in biochemical research and drug and as a solubilizer and co-dissolvable for pesticides and fumigants.