Molecular weight: 60
Formula: CH4N2O
Urea is a color less, odorless, non toxic and very soluble nitrogenous compound. It serves very important role in the nitrogen metabolism of animals. It is formed in the liver in the urea cycle as a product of the metabolism of ammonia, which is a very toxic compound because of its property of elevating the pH when dissolved in water. Urea is used as a vehicle for the removal of excess nitrogen (when it is not used in the build up of aminoacids and protein). It is also used in the mechanism of water preservation by helping create a hypertonic environment in the kidney medulla.
