Ethyleneurea
[CAS# 120-93-4]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Alkyl ureas and their derivatives and salts
• Name: Ethyleneurea
• Synonyms: 2-Imidazolidinone; 2-Imidazolidone
• Molecular Formula: C₃H₆N₂O
• Molecular Weight: 86.09
• CAS Registry Number: 120-93-4
• EC Number: 204-436-4
• SMILES: C1CNC(=O)N1

Properties

• Melting point: 129-132 °C
• Flash point: 265 °C
• Water solubility: soluble

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07;GHS08 Warning
• Risk Statements: H319-H361-H373
• Safety Statements: P203-P260-P264+P265-P280-P305+P351+P338-P318-P319-P337+P317-P405-501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure	STOT RE	2	H373
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	2	H361
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2A	H319

Discovery and Applications

Ethyleneurea, also known as 2-imidazolidinone, is a heterocyclic organic compound with the molecular formula C3H6N2O. This versatile compound belongs to the class of imidazolidinones and is widely used in various industrial and chemical applications. Its structure, consisting of a five-membered ring containing nitrogen and oxygen atoms, gives it unique reactivity and functional properties.

The discovery of ethyleneurea dates back to early studies on urea derivatives, where researchers explored cyclic forms for enhanced stability and reactivity. Ethyleneurea is synthesized primarily by reacting ethylenediamine with urea under controlled conditions. The reaction involves cyclization, which leads to the formation of the stable imidazolidinone ring. This method has been optimized over the years to improve yields and minimize by-products, ensuring cost-effective and environmentally friendly production.

One of the primary applications of ethyleneurea is in the textile industry, where it is used as a formaldehyde scavenger in wrinkle-resistant fabric treatments. Its ability to react with formaldehyde reduces emissions, making treated fabrics safer and more environmentally friendly. Additionally, ethyleneurea is used in the paper industry as a crosslinking agent, improving the strength and durability of paper products.

Ethyleneurea also finds applications in water treatment processes. Its reactivity enables it to act as a scale inhibitor and dispersant, enhancing the efficiency of industrial water systems. Furthermore, ethyleneurea is utilized in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries as a building block for synthesizing bioactive compounds. Its versatile reactivity allows for the development of derivatives with specific biological properties.

Recent research into ethyleneurea has explored its potential in creating advanced polymer materials and coatings. These applications take advantage of its stability and compatibility with various chemical systems, contributing to the development of high-performance and sustainable products.

References

1964. The Relation between Chemical Structures and Hypnotic Effects of Some Imidazolidinone Derivatives. Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin.
DOI: 10.1248/cpb.12.843

2023. Heterocycles Based on Bis(trifluoromethyl)imidazolidin-2-ones, 2-Aminoethanol, and 2-Aminophenol. Russian Journal of Organic Chemistry.
DOI: 10.1134/s1070428023040097

2024. Ceria-based nanorods catalysts for efficient catalytic production of ethylene urea from CO2 and ethylenediamine: the influence of doped zirconium ions. Research on Chemical Intermediates.
DOI: 10.1007/s11164-024-05278-6