| Urea nitrate | |
|---|---|
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|
| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | CH5N3O4 |
| Molar mass | 123.068 g/mol |
| Density | 1.59 g/cc |
| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) | |
| Infobox references | |
Urea nitrate is a fertilizer-based high explosive that has been used in improvised explosive devices in Israel, Iraq, and various other terrorism acts elsewhere in the world, like the 1993 World Trade Center bombings.[1] It has a destructive power similar to better-known ammonium nitrate explosives, with a velocity of detonation between 11,155 ft/s (3,400 m/s) and 15,420 ft/s (4,700 m/s).[2]
Production is by nitration of urea using nitric acid. This is an exothermic reaction, so steps must be taken to control the temperature. Presence of sulfuric acid during the nitration catalyze the reaction, although this is not necessary. [2]
Urea nitrate explosions may be initiated using a blasting cap. [2]
Chemistry
Urea contains a carbonyl group. The more electronegative oxygen atom pulls electrons away from the carbon forming a greater electron density around the oxygen giving it a negative charge forming a polar bond. When nitric acid is presented, it ionizes. The positive nucleus of the hydrogen ion[proton] [acids being proton donors] is attracted to the oxygen and forms a covalent bond [electrophile H+]. The electronegative NO3- ion then is attracted to the positive hydrogen ion. Forming an ionic bond and hence the compound urea nitrate. Like ammonium nitrate this explains its high solubility.
[NH2]2CO[aq]+HNO3[aq]--->[NH2]2COHNO3[s]
The compound is favored by many amateur explosive enthusiasts as a substitute in large 'charges' as opposed to ammonium nitrate. This is because it is about as easy to obtain but does not need such a large initiating charge.
References
- ^ Aaron Rowe. "Chem Lab: Spray-On Test for Improvised Explosives". Wired. http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2007/09/spray-on-test-f.html.
- ^ a b c "Explosives - ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate - Fuel Oil)". GlobalSecurity.org. http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/explosives-anfo.htm.
Brown, Lemay, Burston, Langford, Sagatys, Duffy Chemistry the central science a broad perspective 2007
Further reading
- Almog J, Burda G, Shloosh Y, Abramovich-Bar S, Wolf E, Tamiri T (November 2007). "Recovery and detection of urea nitrate in traces". J. Forensic Sci. 52 (6): 1284–90. doi:. PMID 17868267.
- Mr.X (July 2008). "Improvised Urea Nitrate". .aware eZine Gamma. http://www.awarenetwork.org/etc/gamma/?x=5.
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