Urea nitrate is produced in one step by reaction of urea with nitric acid. This is an exothermic reaction, so steps must be taken to control the temperature.
Urea contains a carbonyl group. The more electronegative oxygen atom pulls electrons away from the carbon atom, forming a polar bond with greater electron density around the oxygen atom, giving it a partial negative charge. In a simplistic sense, nitric acid dissociates in aqueous solution into protons (hydrogen cations) and nitrate anions. The electrophilic proton contributed by the acid is attracted to the negatively charged oxygen atom on the urea molecule and the two form a covalent bond. Paired with the spectator nitrate counteranion, it forms urea nitrate.[over-explained]
It has a destructive power similar to better-known ammonium nitrate explosives, with a velocity of detonation between 3,400m/s (11,155ft/s) and 4,700m/s (15,420ft/s). Urea nitrate must be initiated using a blasting cap.[8][2]
The compound has frequently been used by terrorist and criminal groups due to its ease of production and low skill level required for synthesis. This is due to the ease of acquiring the materials necessary to synthesize it, and its greater sensitivity to initiation compared to ammonium nitrate based explosives.[9][10]
1234Kaye, Seymour M.; Henry L., Herman (January 1983). "U - Urea Addition Compounds and Salts - Urea Nitrate". Encyclopedia of Explosives and Related Items(PDF) (Technical report). Vol.10, U.D.C. through Z-Salz. Picatinny Arsenal, Dover, NJ: U.S. Army Research and Development Command TACOM - Ardec Warheads, Energetics and Combat Support Center. pp.U102-3. LCCN61-61759. ADA134347, PATR 2700.
↑Harkema, S.; Feil, D. (1 March 1969). "The crystal structure of urea nitrate". Acta Crystallographica Section B Structural Crystallography and Crystal Chemistry. 25 (3): 589–591. doi:10.1107/S0567740869002603.
↑"Urea nitrate SDS". www.echemi.com. ECHEMI. 15 July 2019. Retrieved 20 April 2026.
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