Ethyl carbamate or Urethane  is an inorganic, volatile chemical compound, a by-product of fermentation that can be found in tobacco smoke and polluted air. Ethyl ester of carbamic acid

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• "Ethyl" indicates the presence of an ethyl group, which is an alkyl group with two carbon atoms.
• "Carbamate" indicates the presence of a carbamate functional group, which is derived from the reaction between an isocyanate and an alcohol.

Description of raw materials used in production and their functions.

• Ethanol (or ethyl alcohol). A volatile organic substance often used as a solvent in labs and industries. In the context of Ethyl Carbamate production, it acts as the primary reactant.
• Urea. An organic compound that, when heated with ethanol, yields Ethyl Carbamate.

Step-by-step summary of industrial chemical synthesis process.

• Start by mixing ethanol and urea in a chemical reactor.
• The mixture is heated to the appropriate temperature to facilitate the reaction.
• An acid, like hydrochloric acid, may be added as a catalyst to expedite the reaction.
• Once the reaction completes, the mixture is cooled down.
• The Ethyl Carbamate is then separated from impurities through purification methods like distillation.

It appears in the form of a white powder.

Safety

Urethane (also called ethyl carbamate) is a by-product of fermentation and is considered a genotoxic agent.

What it is used for and where

Food and Beverages. Ethyl carbamate can form in fermented foods and drinks, such as wine, spirits, and bread. It's often viewed as an undesirable contaminant due to its potential carcinogenic properties.

Pharmaceutical Industry. Ethyl carbamate has been used as an intermediate in the production of some drugs and also as an anesthetic in veterinary medicine.

Scientific Research. This compound has been used in research studies, particularly to examine its toxicological effects and potential carcinogenic properties.

Solubiliser and co-solvent for pesticides.

Sedative and hypnotic and as anantineoplastic agent.

Raw material in the preparation of aminoresins.

Can be found in cigarettes and drinks.

Cosmetics

Intermediate product for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

It is a restricted ingredient as  II/671 a Relevant Item in the Annexes of the European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. Carcinogenic 1B

• Molecular Formula  C₃H₇NO₂
• Molecular Weight  89.09 g/mol
• CAS  51-79-6
• UNII    3IN71E75Z5
• EC Number  200-123-1
• DTXSID9021427
• Nikkaji   J2.306J
• RXCUI   1420982

Synonyms:

Ethylurethane

Ethylcarbamate