Urea sulfate synthesis (acid concentration?)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the synthesis of urea sulfate crystals from fertilizer grade urea and sulfuric acid. Participants explore the necessary acid concentration for the process, considering safety and solubility factors. The scope includes experimental approaches and challenges in obtaining specific solubility data.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, Rommie, describes their intention to create urea sulfate crystals and expresses uncertainty about the appropriate concentration of sulfuric acid to use, preferring not to use concentrated acid for safety reasons.
  • Another participant inquires about the solubility of urea sulfate in water, indicating a need for this information to proceed with the synthesis.
  • A different participant suggests that without solubility data, it may be difficult to determine the correct approach, warning against using too dilute an acid.
  • Rommie mentions that the final product is known to contain 25% nitrogen and 43% sulfur, while still seeking solubility values.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the solubility of urea sulfate or the optimal acid concentration, indicating that multiple views and uncertainties remain in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights a lack of available solubility data for urea sulfate, which is crucial for determining the appropriate experimental conditions. There are also assumptions regarding the safety and effectiveness of using diluted sulfuric acid.

rommie
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Hi all!

I am currently doing trials on different fertilizer production methods. I want to make urea sulfate crystals from fertilizer grade urea granules (46% N) and sulfuric acid. I suspect it would be a straightforward process, dissolve the urea in acid and precipitate the crystals and separate it from the mother liquor. I however have no idea what the concentration of the acid should be, I suspect it should be diluted but don't know to what percentage. I do not want to use concentrated sulfuric acid due to obvious safety reasons. Internet search has not yielded a recipe to make this either.
I did a similar experiment successfully with urea and 52% phosphoric acid, and got a good yield of urea phosphate crystals.
Any help is appreciated!

Thanks
Rommie
 
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What is the solubility of urea sulfate in water?
 
I can't seem to find a value, not even on msds sheets. But it's used as a liquid fertilizer in drip irrigation so I suppose its completely water soluble.
 
You can't go any further without that information unless you are willing to just guess or you intend to use too much water (too dilute acid) and concentrate it until the product precipitates.
 
The only other info I have is that the final product contains 25% N and 43% S.
I am still searching for solubility values...:frown:
 

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