Dicyanodiamide
[CAS# 461-58-5]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Nitrile compound
• Name: Dicyanodiamide
• Synonyms: Dicyandiamide; 1-Cyanoguanidine; 2-Cyanoguanidine; Cyanoguanidine; DCDA
• Molecular Formula: C₂H₄N₄
• Molecular Weight: 84.08
• CAS Registry Number: 461-58-5
• EC Number: 207-312-8
• SMILES: C(#N)N=C(N)N

Properties

• Density: 1.4±0.1 g/cm³ Calc.^*, 1.4 g/mL (Expl.)
• Melting point: 208 - 210 °C (Expl.)
• Boiling point: 143.0±23.0 °C 760 mmHg (Calc.)^*
• Flash point: 40.3±22.6 °C (Calc.)^*
• Solubility: water 32 g/L (20 °C) (Expl.)
• Index of refraction: 1.612 (Calc.)^*

^* Calculated using Advanced Chemistry Development (ACD/Labs) Software.

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H302-H312-H332
• Safety Statements: P261-P264-P270-P271-P280-P301+P317-P302+P352-P304+P340-P317-P321-P330-P362+P364-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H312
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H332
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319

Discovery and Applications

Dicyanodiamide, also known as cyanoguanidine, is a white crystalline organic compound with the molecular formula C₂H₄N₄. It is a derivative of guanidine in which two additional cyano groups are present. The compound was first identified in the late 19th century as chemists studied derivatives of guanidine and cyanamide. Early investigations focused on its synthesis and chemical properties, revealing its utility as a reactive nitrogen-containing compound with high thermal stability. Dicyanodiamide is typically synthesized via the reaction of cyanamide under controlled conditions, allowing the formation of the crystalline guanidine derivative.

The primary application of dicyanodiamide is in the production of melamine resins, which are widely used in laminates, adhesives, coatings, and molding compounds. Its reactivity with formaldehyde enables the formation of melamine-formaldehyde polymers, valued for their hardness, heat resistance, and chemical stability. These resins are essential in both industrial and consumer products, including kitchen countertops, flooring, and molded plastic items. In addition, dicyanodiamide is used as a curing agent for epoxy resins, enhancing mechanical strength and thermal stability, making it suitable for coatings, electrical laminates, and structural adhesives in engineering applications.

Dicyanodiamide also finds use in agricultural and chemical industries. In agriculture, it functions as a nitrification inhibitor in fertilizers, slowing the conversion of ammonium to nitrate and thereby reducing nitrogen loss from soils. This contributes to increased efficiency of nitrogen utilization in crops and reduces environmental impacts such as nitrate leaching and nitrous oxide emissions. Chemically, dicyanodiamide serves as a precursor for the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds, including triazines and other nitrogen-rich polymers, which are applied in specialty coatings, dyes, and pharmaceuticals.

The compound’s properties, including its high nitrogen content, low solubility in water, and thermal stability, make it particularly valuable for industrial applications requiring controlled reactivity and durability. Its nitrogen-rich structure also makes it suitable for certain energetic materials, where it contributes to formulations with high nitrogen content and low sensitivity. Additionally, dicyanodiamide has been investigated for its potential in wastewater treatment as a flocculant and for controlled release in various chemical formulations.

In research, dicyanodiamide is utilized as a model compound to study nitrogen chemistry, polymerization reactions, and as a building block for novel nitrogen-containing heterocycles. Its role in melamine-formaldehyde and epoxy resin systems continues to be studied for improved formulations, aiming at enhanced mechanical, thermal, and chemical performance. Innovations in its application also explore environmentally friendly uses, such as slow-release fertilizers and sustainable polymer composites.

Overall, dicyanodiamide is a versatile chemical substance with a rich history of discovery and extensive applications in industrial, agricultural, and research contexts. Its chemical stability, nitrogen-rich composition, and reactivity underpin its central role in resin chemistry, fertilizer technology, and the synthesis of advanced materials. The continued exploration of its applications reflects its ongoing importance in modern chemical and material sciences.

References

2020. A self-enhanced electrochemiluminescent ratiometric zearalenone immunoassay based on the use of helical carbon nanotubes. Microchimica Acta.
DOI: 10.1007/s00604-020-04278-8

2014. Application of nanoring amino-functionalized magnetic polymer dispersive micro-solid-phase extraction and ultra fast liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry in dicyandiamide residue analysis of powdered milk. Talanta.
DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2013.10.003

2009. Purinergic P2X(7) receptor antagonists: Chemistry and fundamentals of biological screening. Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry.
DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2009.05.083