METHYL URETHANE Meaning and
Definition
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Methyl urethane, also known as methyl carbamate or urethan, is an organic compound with the chemical formula CH3NHCOOCH3. It is derived from the reaction between methanol and urea. It is primarily a colorless and odorless liquid substance that belongs to the family of carbamates.
Methyl urethane is widely used in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and chemical production, due to its unique chemical properties and versatile nature. It serves as an intermediate compound in the synthesis of numerous chemicals, such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and plastics.
In pharmaceutical applications, methyl urethane is used as a precursor or starting material for the synthesis of certain drugs, particularly sedatives and anesthetics. It has a sedative effect on the central nervous system when administered in controlled doses.
In the agricultural sector, methyl urethane is commonly used as a herbicide or plant growth regulator. It aids in controlling weed growth and enhancing crop yields by limiting the excessive growth of unwanted vegetation while promoting desirable plant growth.
Methyl urethane also has applications in polymer and resin production, where it functions as a crosslinking agent or a modifying agent. It helps improve the mechanical properties, adhesion, and stability of various polymeric materials, such as coatings, adhesives, and foams.
While methyl urethane has diverse industrial applications, it should be noted that it can be toxic if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Therefore, proper safety precautions, such as wearing protective equipment, should be taken when handling or working with this compound.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for METHYL URETHANE
- methyl urethafe
- methyl urethale
- methyl urethaoe
- methyl urethanu
- methyl urethanm
- methyl urethana
- methyl urethang
- methylurethene
- m ethyl urethane
- me thyl urethane
- met hyl urethane
- meth yl urethane
- methy l urethane
- methyl u rethane
- methyl ur ethane
- methyl ure thane
- methyl uret hane
- methyl ureth ane
- methyl uretha ne
- methyl urethan e
Etymology of METHYL URETHANE
The word "methyl urethane" can be broken down into two parts: "methyl" and "urethane".
1. Methyl: The term "methyl" refers to a chemical group that contains one carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms (CH3-). It is derived from the Greek word "methy", meaning "wine" or "spirits", because it was originally obtained from the distillation of wood alcohol.
2. Urethane: The term "urethane" refers to a compound containing the urethane functional group (-O-CO-NH-), which is a carbamate. The word "urethane" comes from the combination of "urea" and "ethane".
- Urea: The term "urea" refers to a compound that is a waste product of protein metabolism found in mammals. It was first isolated from urine in the early 19th century.
