What is the chemical reaction of ammonium cyanate to urea?

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Detailed Solution

The conversion of ammonium cyanate (NH₄OCN) to urea (NH₂CONH₂) is a classic example of an organic reaction where an inorganic compound is transformed into an organic compound.

Chemical Equation:

NH₄OCN → NH₂CONH₂

Ammonium cyanate → Urea

Details of the Reaction:

Ammonium cyanate is an inorganic salt.
Urea is an organic compound containing amine groups and a carbonyl group.

Importance of the Reaction:

This reaction was famously demonstrated by Friedrich Wöhler in 1828. It marked the first time an organic compound (urea) was synthesized from inorganic materials, disproving the theory of vitalism.

Type of Reaction:

Isomerization reaction: Ammonium cyanate rearranges to form urea.
No atoms are added or removed — just a rearrangement of the molecular structure.

Summary Table:

Aspect	Details
Reactant	Ammonium cyanate (NH₄OCN)
Product	Urea (NH₂CONH₂)
Type of Reaction	Isomerization
Historical Significance	First synthesis of an organic compound from inorganic source by Wöhler (1828)

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