Urethane Formula – Structure, Properties, Uses, Sample Questions

Urethane is one of the most adaptable materials we can come across in our everyday life. Our machinery and other household things contain it. Because of its versatility, this element is used in comfort and relaxation items. Furthermore, that massive machinery is composed of urethane as well. Polyurethane is another term for urethane, which may be rolled into foam and utilized in a variety of products like furniture, bedding, and seating.

 What is Urethane?

Urethane is an organic polymer chain linked by carbamate links. It is formed by the polymerization of ethanol and carbamic acid. It is mostly used as a coating, and adhesive. It is found as a white powder or colorless crystal. 

Polyurethane is a polymer formed by the condensation polymerization of Urethane and is one of the most important compounds of urethane. It has a very wide range of applications as it is used to make electrical potting due to its insulating properties. It is used to make fibers such as spandex and PUL nut Foams are the largest application and make up to 67% of the total usage. 

Urethane is a colorless and odourless crystalline chemical that produces deadly nitrogen oxide emissions. It occurs when heat causes decomposition. It is mostly used to make amino resins, but it is also used to make pesticides, fumigants, cosmetics, and medications. Furthermore, urethane exposure can harm the central nervous system, and liver, and cause bone marrow suppression. Urethane is a human carcinogen in general.

Structure of Urethane 

The chemical formula of Urethane is NH₂COOC₂H₅ while the molecular formula of Urethane is C₃H₇NO₂. Therefore, its structure is given as,

Urethane

Physical Properties of Urethane

• Urethane is first seen as odourless, colourless crystals or a white powder. 
• At 217°F and 54 mm Hg, it easily sublimates. 
• A refreshing saline taste. Colorless, columnar crystals or white granular powder are the second types.
• It has a bitter, cold, and saline taste.
• At 760 mm Hg, its boiling point ranges from 360 to 363 ° F.
• Its melting point varies between 118 and 122 degrees Fahrenheit.nIts flashpoint is 198 degrees Fahrenheit.
• At 72° F, its solubility is greater than or equivalent to 100 mg/mL. Finally, at 70 degrees F, the density is 0.9862.

Chemical Properties of Urethane

• When urethane interacts with ethyl alcohol, polyurethane and water are formed. The following is a chemical reaction.

C₃H₇NO₂ + C₂H₅OH  →  NH₂CH₂CH₂COOC₂H₅ + H₂O

• Ammonia, carbon dioxide, and water are formed during the combustion process of urethane.

C₃H₇NO₂ + 3O₂  →  NH₃ + 3CO₂ + 2H₂O

Uses of Urethane

• It is an important component of static and rigid foams in refrigerators.
• It is used to make the foam which is used to make car seats more comfortable, bumpers, doors, etc.
• It is used to make composite wood, polyurethane binders are used to attach organic matter.
• It is used in the electronics industry to seal fragile, pressure-sensitive underwater cables. 

Sample Questions

Question 1: How is urethane prepared?

Answer:

It is formed by polymerization of ethanol and carbamic acid.

Question 2: Is urethane safe?

Answer:

In experimental animals, urethane is a powerful carcinogen that causes a wide range of local and systemic cancers. In mice, urethane has a low acute oral toxicity. The immune systems of rats and mice were harmed as a result of the injection.

Question 3: Is urethane rubber or plastic?

Answer:

Polyurethanes are elastomers that belong to the artificial rubber family. They excel at combining the strength of hard polymers with the flexibility and elasticity of rubber. Hoses, auto bushings, seat foam, skateboard frames, and spandex are all polyurethane applications.

Question 4: Explain the catalyst behaviors of urethane.

Answer:

Traditional, reactive, delayed reaction, and trimerization catalysts for polyurethane manufacture are amine-based urethane catalysts. Paints, varnishes, fibres, adhesives, and sealants are all made with urethane catalysts in industrial applications.

Question 5: How urethane is used in refrigerator 

Answer:

Static and rigid foams for refrigerators and freezer thermal insulation systems are the most common applications for polyurethanes in major appliances.