Chemical Name and Formula:

• Name: Urea (Carbamide)
• Formula: (NH₂)₂CO
• Appearance: White solid, available as prilled or granular form

Physical and Chemical Properties:

• Highly soluble in water
• Odorless or with a very faint ammonia smell
• Non‑toxic in pure form (although dust may irritate the respiratory system)

Industrial Production Process:

• Urea is synthesized from the reaction of ammonia (NH₃) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) under high temperature and pressure in petrochemical plants.
• Feedstock for this process is typically supplied from ammonia production units.

Applications in Iran (2024):

• Fertilizer: The largest use, due to its high nitrogen content (~46% nitrogen by weight)
• Industrial Feedstock: For manufacturing urea–formaldehyde resins, melamine, and industrial adhesives
• Special Applications: As an anti‑icing agent in Urea‑DEF solutions for reducing NOₓ emissions in diesel engine exhausts

Common Standards:

• Purity above 99%
• Biuret content below 1% for agricultural grade
• Moisture content < 0.5%

Market and Trade:

• Iran is one of the largest urea producers in the region, with significant exports to Asian, African, and South American countries.
• Price is influenced by the global fertilizer market and the cost of natural gas as feedstock.

Safety and Storage:

• Store away from moisture to prevent caking
• Dust should be controlled
• Skin contact is harmless, but ingestion of large amounts is hazardous