Urea nitrate

Urea nitrate

Structural formulae of the ions in urea nitrate
Identifiers
CAS Number	124-47-0
Jmol 3D model	Interactive image
SMILES C(=O)(N)N.[N+](=O)(O)[O-]
Properties
Chemical formula	CH5N3O4
Molar mass	123.068 g/mol
Density	1.69 g/cm3
Melting point	163 °C (325 °F; 436 K)
Solubility in water	15 g/100 g
Solubility	soluble in alcohol
Vapor pressure	{{{value}}}
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Infobox references

Urea nitrate is a fertilizer-based high explosive that has been used in improvised explosive devices in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, and various other terrorist acts elsewhere in the world, like the 1993 World Trade Center bombings. It has a destructive power similar to better-known ammonium nitrate explosives, with a velocity of detonation between 11,155 ft/s (3,400 m/s) and 15,420 ft/s (4,700 m/s).

Urea nitrate is produced in one step by reaction of urea with nitric acid. This is an exothermic reaction, so steps must be taken to control the temperature.

Urea nitrate explosions may be initiated using a blasting cap.

Chemistry

Urea contains a carbonyl group. The more electronegative oxygen atom pulls electrons away from the carbon forming a greater electron density around the oxygen, giving the oxygen a partial negative charge and forming a polar bond. When nitric acid is presented, it ionizes. A hydrogen ion [proton] contributed by the acid is attracted to the oxygen and forms a covalent bond [electrophile H⁺]. The electronegative NO₃⁻ ion then is attracted to the positive hydrogen ion. This forms an ionic bond and hence the compound urea nitrate.

(NH₂)₂CO (aq) + HNO₃ (aq) → (NH₂)₂COHNO₃ (s)

The compound is favored by many amateur explosive enthusiasts as a principal explosive for use in larger charges. In this role it acts as a substitute for ammonium nitrate based explosives. This is due to the ease of acquiring the materials necessary to synthesize it, and its greater sensitivity to initiation compared to ammonium nitrate based explosives.

Further reading

Urea nitrate