ANS:A - urea

Urea is a organic compound with the chemical formula CO(NH2)2. It is one of the most commonly used nitrogen-containing fertilizers worldwide and is also a significant industrial chemical with various applications. Here are some key points about urea:

1. Chemical Composition: Urea is composed of two amine groups (NH2) attached to a carbonyl (C=O) functional group. It is classified as a diamide because it contains two amide groups.
2. Production: Urea can be synthesized through various methods, including the reaction of ammonia (NH3) with carbon dioxide (CO2) or through the dehydration of ammonium carbamate, as mentioned earlier. The latter method involves heating ammonium carbamate, which is formed by the reaction of ammonia and carbon dioxide, to produce urea.
3. Fertilizer: Urea is a widely used nitrogen fertilizer due to its high nitrogen content (about 46% nitrogen by weight), which makes it an efficient source of nitrogen for plants. When applied to soil, urea undergoes hydrolysis, a chemical reaction with water, to form ammonium ions (NH4+) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3-). These ions are then converted into ammonium and nitrate ions, which are readily absorbed by plant roots and utilized for growth and development.
4. Industrial Applications: Beyond its use as a fertilizer, urea has numerous industrial applications. It is a key component in the production of various plastics, resins, adhesives, and animal feed supplements. Urea is also used in the manufacture of urea-formaldehyde resins, which are important in the production of wood adhesives and coatings.
5. Healthcare: In healthcare, urea is utilized in topical creams and lotions as a moisturizing agent due to its ability to retain moisture in the skin. It is also used in some medical diagnostic tests to measure kidney function, as urea is excreted by the kidneys.