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Cyanamide

Cyanamide
Full skeletal formulas of cyanamide, both tautomers
Space-filling model of the cyanamide molecule, nitrile tautomer
Space-filling model of the cyanamide molecule, diimide tautomer
Names
IUPAC names
Cyanamide,
aminomethanenitrile
Other names
Amidocyanogen, carbamonitrile, carbimide, carbodiimide, cyanoamine, cyanoazane, N-cyanoamine, cyanogenamide, cyanogen amide, cyanogen nitride, diiminomethane, hydrogen cyanamide, methanediimine
Identifiers
420-04-2 YesY
3D model (Jmol) Interactive image
ChEBI CHEBI:16698 YesY
ChEMBL ChEMBL56279 YesY
ChemSpider 9480 YesY
DrugBank DB02679 YesY
ECHA InfoCard 100.006.358
EC Number 206-992-3
KEGG D00123 YesY
PubChem 9864
RTECS number GS5950000
UNII 21CP7826LC YesY
UN number 2811
Properties
CH2N2
Molar mass 42.040 g/mol
Appearance Crystalline solid
Density 1.28 g/cm3
Melting point 44 °C (111 °F; 317 K)
Boiling point 260 °C (500 °F; 533 K) (decomposes)
83 °C at 6.7 Pa
140 °C at 2.5 kPa
85 g/100 ml (25 °C)
Solubility in organic solvents soluble
Hazards
Safety data sheet ICSC 0424
Toxic (T)
R-phrases R20, R25, R27, R36/38, R43
S-phrases (S1/2), S3, S22, S36/37, S45
NFPA 704
Flammability code 1: Must be pre-heated before ignition can occur. Flash point over 93 °C (200 °F). E.g., canola oil Health code 4: Very short exposure could cause death or major residual injury. E.g., VX gas Reactivity code 3: Capable of detonation or explosive decomposition but requires a strong initiating source, must be heated under confinement before initiation, reacts explosively with water, or will detonate if severely shocked. E.g., fluorine Special hazards (white): no codeNFPA 704 four-colored diamond
Flash point 141 °C (286 °F; 414 K)
US health exposure limits (NIOSH):
PEL (Permissible)
 none
REL (Recommended)
 TWA 2 mg/m3
IDLH (Immediate danger)
 N.D.
Related compounds
Related compounds
 Calcium cyanamide
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
YesY  (what is YesYN ?)
Infobox references

Cyanamide is an organic compound with the formula CN2H2. This white solid is widely used in agriculture and the production of pharmaceuticals and other organic compounds. It is also used as an alcohol deterrent drug in Canada, Europe and Japan. The molecule features a nitrile group attached to an amino group. Derivatives of this compound are also referred to as cyanamides, the most common being calcium cyanamide (CaCN2).

Containing both a nucleophilic and electrophilic site within the same molecule, cyanamide undergoes various reactions with itself. Cyanamide exists as two tautomers, one with the connectivity NCNH2 and the other with the formula HNCNH ("carbodiimide" tautomer). The NCNH2 form dominates, but in a few reactions (e.g. silylation) the diimide form appears to be important.

Cyanamide dimerizes to give 2-cyanoguanidine (dicyandiamide). This decomposition process is disfavored by acids and is inhibited by low temperatures. The cyclic trimer is called melamine.

Cyanamide is produced by hydrolysis of calcium cyanamide, which in turn is prepared from calcium carbide via the Frank-Caro process.

The conversion is conducted on slurries. Consequently, most commercial cyanamide is sold as an aqueous solution.

Cyanamide can be regarded as a functional single carbon fragment which can react as an electrophile or nucleophile. The main reaction exhibited by cyanamide involves additions of compounds containing an acidic proton. Water, hydrogen sulfide, and hydrogen selenide react with cyanamide to give urea, thiourea, and selenourea, respectively:


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