Isocyanic Acid – Reactive Intermediate

Isocyanic Acid, chemically represented as HNCO, is the simplest isocyanate and a volatile, colorless compound with a sharp, acrid odor. As a monobasic acid, it is characterized by the functional group -N=C=O, which enables it to readily react with water, alcohols, and amines, forming ureas, carbamates, and isocyanates. It plays a critical role as a reactive intermediate in various organic and polymer synthesis pathways.

HNCO can be produced industrially through thermal decomposition of urea or oxidation of ammonia and is typically handled in gas form or in stabilized solutions due to its instability at room temperature. It’s widely used in the production of polyurethanes, agrochemicals, coatings, and elastomers.

Cavin Resource supplies Isocyanic Acid to industrial buyers and research labs worldwide with safety data sheets (SDS), technical specifications, and custom packaging solutions for safe handling and regulatory compliance.

⚙️ Production Method

Thermal Decomposition of Urea

• Urea is decomposed under controlled heating to release isocyanic acid gas, which can be captured and dissolved for further application.

• Alternate methods include oxidation of ammonia in the presence of platinum-based catalysts.

🏭 Applications & Industry Use Cases

🧪 Organic Synthesis

• Reacts with amines to form ureas.

• Used to produce carbamates, isocyanates, and heterocyclic compounds.

🏗️ Polymer & Plastics Industry

• Intermediate for polyurethane and polyurea resins

• Enhances properties of adhesives, sealants, and elastomers

🌱 Agrochemical Industry

• Precursor in pesticide and fungicide synthesis

• Intermediate in urea-based fertilizers

🧫 Analytical & Environmental Chemistry

• Used to study atmospheric reactions

• Found in engine exhaust emissions, relevant to air quality studies

✅ Benefits of Isocyanic Acid

• ✅ Crucial building block for isocyanate production

• ✅ Highly reactive for advanced chemical synthesis

• ✅ Key precursor for polyurethanes and agrochemicals

• ✅ Available in technical and research-grade options

• ✅ Provided with safety compliance and global logistics

📦 Packaging Options

• Stabilized solution: 1 L / 5 L amber glass bottles

• Gas phase: Cylinders under pressure with safety valves

• Industrial bulk: Custom packaging available

• Includes SDS, COA, TDS

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Isocyanic Acid used for?

Answer: It’s used as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of polyurethanes, isocyanates, ureas, and pesticides.

2. Is Isocyanic Acid stable for storage?

Answer: No, it's reactive and typically stored as a stabilized solution or gas in pressure-controlled containers.

3. Can HNCO be used in analytical applications?

Answer: Yes, it is used in air quality monitoring and emissions analysis, especially in engine combustion research.

4. Is this product available for international shipping?

Answer: Yes, Cavin Resource provides worldwide delivery with complete shipping and regulatory documentation.

📚 Credible Sources for SEO & Reference

• PubChem – Isocyanic Acid

• ScienceDirect – Applications of Isocyanic Acid in Polymer Chemistry

• National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)

• European Chemicals Agency – HNCO Safety Info