Urea was the first synthesis of an organic compound from an inorganic compound. Urea is prepared by the direct dehydration of ammonium carbamate at elevated temperature and pressure. At this time, 95% of all new urea plant are licensed by Snamprogetti, Stamicarbon, or Toyo Engineering. STAM utilizes the thermal stripping process while STAC and Toyo use CO 2 stripping. These processes are described in detail. Finishing processes, prilling, and granulation, as well as treatment of wastewater, are also discussed. Uses for urea include as a basis for fertilizer, in cattle‐feed as a supplement, in the manufacture of resins, glues, solvents and some medicinals. Some economic data is also given.

Urea was discoverd in urine by Rouelle in 1773 and first synthesized from ammonia and cyanic acid by Woehler in 1828. This was the first synthesis of an organic compound from an inorganic compound, and it dealt a death blow to the vital force theory. Commercially, urea is produced by the direct dehydration of ammonium carbamate at elevated temperature and pressure. Ammonium carbamate is obtained by direct reaction of ammonia and carbon dioxide. The two reactions are usually carried out simultaneously in a high pressure reactor. Most urea plants are licensed by Snamprogetti, Stamicarbon, or Toyo Engineering. Their processes are discussed in detail. Urea's biggest use is as a fertilizer. It is also used in animal feeds, in the manufacture of resins, and in reducing automotive emissions by catalytic reduction. Urea is classified as a nontoxiic compound.