Diazolidinylurea
[CAS# 78491-02-8]

Identification

• Classification: Chemical reagent >> Organic reagent >> Urea
• Name: Diazolidinylurea
• Synonyms: N-(1,3-Bis(hydroxymethyl)-2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)-N,N'-bis(hydroxymethyl)-urea
• Molecular Formula: C₈H₁₄N₄O₇
• Molecular Weight: 278.22
• CAS Registry Number: 78491-02-8
• EC Number: 278-928-2
• SMILES: C(NC(=O)N(CO)C1C(=O)N(C(=O)N1CO)CO)O

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H317-H319-H412
• Safety Statements: P261-P264+P265-P272-P273-P280-P302+P352-P305+P351+P338-P321-P333+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1	H317
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	2	H411
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H332
Germ cell mutagenicity	Muta.	2	H341

Discovery and Applications

Diazolidinyl urea is a preservative widely used in cosmetics and personal care products. It belongs to a class of antimicrobial agents known as formaldehyde releasers that help prevent microbial growth and extend the shelf life of products. Diazolidinyl urea has the chemical formula C8H14N4O7 and is a white crystalline powder that is effective in preventing bacterial and fungal contamination.

The discovery of diazolidinyl urea stems from the need for effective preservatives that can ensure the safety and longevity of cosmetics and personal care products. In the mid-20th century, researchers were exploring various compounds that could release small amounts of formaldehyde, a known antimicrobial agent, in a controlled manner. Diazolidinyl urea was synthesized and found to be an effective formaldehyde releaser that provides broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity with minimal risk to human health when used at appropriate concentrations.

Diazolidinyl urea is widely used in a variety of cosmetics and personal care products, including lotions, shampoos, conditioners, creams, and makeup. Its primary function is to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold, thereby preventing spoilage and contamination. The use of diazolidinyl urea ensures that these products remain safe and effective for consumers for a longer period of time.

In addition to cosmetics, diazolidinyl urea is used in the formulation of industrial and household products. It is used in cleaners, detergents, and paints, where its antimicrobial properties help maintain the integrity and performance of these products. By preventing microbial growth, diazolidinyl urea extends the shelf life and usability of a variety of commercial goods.

In the pharmaceutical industry, diazolidinyl urea is used as a preservative in topical medications, eye drops, and other formulations that require an extended shelf life. Its ability to prevent microbial contamination ensures that these products remain sterile and safe for patient use. The controlled release of formaldehyde from diazolidinyl urea provides effective antimicrobial protection without compromising the efficacy of the active pharmaceutical ingredient.

Diazolidinyl urea is also used in veterinary products such as animal shampoos and topical treatments. It helps maintain the safety and stability of these products by preventing microbial contamination. This ensures that veterinary products remain effective in treating and preventing a variety of diseases in animals.

The use of diazolidinyl urea in cosmetics and personal care products is regulated by various health authorities around the world, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Commission. These regulations set maximum permissible concentrations of diazolidinyl urea to ensure consumer safety. In general, concentrations up to 0.5% are considered safe for use in cosmetics. Although diazolidinyl urea is effective, some consumers may be sensitive to formaldehyde releasers, so manufacturers must clearly label products containing diazolidinyl urea.

References

2006. Characterization and chemistry of imidazolidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea. Contact Dermatitis, 54(1).
DOI: 10.1111/j.0105-1873.2006.00735.x

2011. The different decomposition properties of diazolidinyl urea in cosmetics and patch test materials. Contact Dermatitis, 64(3).
DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0536.2010.01862.x

2009. Simultaneous measurement of diazolidinyl urea, urea, and allantoin in cosmetic samples by hydrophilic interaction chromatography. Journal of chromatography. B, Analytical technologies in the biomedical and life sciences, 877(11-12).
DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2009.02.032