Urethane
Urethane
Urethane, also known as ethyl carbamate, is an organic compound with the formula (CH3CH2OC(O)NH2). It is a colorless, odorless solid, although commercial samples can be yellow and have a slightly unpleasant odor. Urethane is used in a wide range of applications due to its versatility and its ability to be modified chemically.
Pronunciation
Urethane is pronounced as /ˈjʊərəˌθeɪn/.
Etymology
The term "urethane" is derived from the Greek words "ouron" meaning urine and "theine" meaning sulfur. This is because urethane was first discovered in the early 19th century as a byproduct of the reaction between urea (a compound found in urine) and sulfuric acid.
Related Terms
- Ethyl Carbamate: Another name for urethane.
- Polyurethane: A polymer composed of a chain of organic units joined by urethane links.
- Carbamate: An organic compound derived from carbamic acid.
- Urea: A nitrogenous compound containing a carbonyl group attached to two amine groups with osmotic diuretic activity.
Uses
Urethane is used in a variety of applications. It is used in the production of polyurethanes, which are used in items such as foams, elastomers, and adhesives. Urethane is also used in the pharmaceutical industry, where it is used as a stabilizer and preservative in many drugs.
Health Effects
Exposure to urethane can cause a variety of health effects. These can range from mild irritation of the skin and eyes to more serious effects such as respiratory problems and cancer. It is classified as a possible human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Urethane
- Wikipedia's article - Urethane
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