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What it is. This urea is supplied as ACS reagent-grade white crystals in a 1 lb size. This high-purity organic compound is used as a protein denaturant, nitrogen source, and reagent in biochemistry, analytical chemistry, and teaching labs.
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What ACS grade guarantees. ACS reagent urea assays at 99.0 to 100.5%, melts at 132 to 135 °C, and limits insoluble matter and sulfated ash to 0.01% each, iron and heavy metals to 0.001% each, chloride to 5 ppm, and sulfate to 0.001%.
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Chemical identity. Urea (carbamide, CAS 57-13-6, CH4N2O, 60.06 g/mol) is the diamide of carbonic acid. It is highly soluble in water and was the first organic compound synthesized from inorganic starting materials in 1828.
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Protein denaturant. Concentrated urea solutions, typically 6-8 M, unfold proteins by disrupting hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. Urea solubilizes inclusion bodies, denatures proteins for electrophoresis, and supports protein refolding studies.
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Nucleic acid work. Urea is a component of denaturing polyacrylamide gels for DNA and RNA electrophoresis, where it keeps nucleic acids single-stranded so they separate by length.
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Use fresh solutions. Urea in solution slowly decomposes to ammonium cyanate, which can carbamylate proteins and alter their charge. Prepare urea solutions fresh, avoid heating them, and deionize stored solutions if you must keep them.
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Other uses. Urea serves as a nitrogen standard and reagent in analytical chemistry, in fertilizer and feed research, as a moisturizer in cosmetics, in diesel exhaust fluid for emission control, and in teaching labs.
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Preparing urea solutions. Dissolving urea absorbs heat, so solutions cool noticeably as it dissolves. Allow them to return to room temperature before adjusting volume. Use high-purity water, and filter solutions for electrophoresis or chromatography.
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Handling at a glance. Urea is low hazard, but dust may irritate the eyes and respiratory tract. Wear safety glasses and gloves, avoid creating dust, and keep the container tightly closed since urea absorbs moisture.
Technical Specifications
| Chemical Name |
Urea |
| CAS Number |
57-13-6 |
| EC Number |
200-315-5 |
| Synonyms |
Carbamide, carbonyl diamide |
| Formula |
CH4N2O (NH2CONH2) |
| Molecular Weight |
60.06 g/mol |
| Grade |
ACS reagent |
| Assay |
99.0 to 100.5% |
| Melting Range |
132 to 135 °C |
| Insoluble Matter |
0.01% max |
| Sulfated Ash / Residue after Ignition |
0.01% max |
| Chloride (Cl) |
5 ppm max |
| Sulfate (SO4) |
0.001% max |
| Iron (Fe) |
0.001% max |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) |
0.001% max |
| Form |
White crystals |
| Water Solubility |
Highly soluble |
| Typical Denaturing Concentration |
6 to 8 M |
| Hazard Profile |
Not classified as hazardous (confirm on SDS) |
| Package Size |
1 lb |
Applications / Common Uses
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Protein denaturation: Unfolds proteins at 6 to 8 M.
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Denaturing gels: Keeps DNA and RNA single-stranded.
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Inclusion body solubilization: Dissolves aggregated recombinant proteins.
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Analytical reagent: Serves as a nitrogen standard and reagent.
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Teaching labs: Demonstrates organic synthesis history and protein chemistry.
Storage, Handling & Shipping
Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place at room temperature, away from strong oxidizers, nitrites, and hypochlorites. Urea absorbs moisture, so reseal the container promptly and prepare solutions fresh rather than storing them long term.
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Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizers, sodium hypochlorite, nitrites, and strong acids.
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Personal protection: Safety glasses, gloves, and dust control.
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Spill response: Sweep up without raising dust and place in a closed container.
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First aid: Eyes: rinse with water for several minutes.
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