Thiourea
CAS #:
62-56-6
A corrosion inhibitor, metal complexing agent, and chemical intermediate in industries such as oil and gas, mining, and electroplating.
Thiourea is a white crystalline solid that is structurally similar to urea, except that the oxygen atom in urea is replaced by sulfur. It is highly soluble in water and polar organic solvents, and it exhibits reducing, complexing, and catalytic properties due to its reactive amino (–NH₂) and thiocarbonyl (C=S) groups.
In industrial applications, thiourea is valued as a versatile intermediate and functional additive in various chemical processes across sectors such as mining, oil and gas, electroplating, photography, and pharmaceuticals.
General Info & Properties
Chemical Name: Sulfourea Thiocarbamide
Empirical Formula: SC(NH2)2
Appearance: White Solid Powder
Melting Poing: 182℃
Applications
Metallurgy and Mining
Used as a non-cyanide leaching agent for the extraction of precious metals like gold and silver, providing an alternative to cyanide-based processes.
Acts as a metal complexing and reducing agent in refining and electroplating baths, helping improve metal deposition quality and corrosion resistance.
Oil and Gas Industry
Functions as a corrosion inhibitor in acidizing, pickling, and stimulation fluids, protecting steel surfaces from attack by strong acids (e.g., HCl or H₂SO₄).
Sometimes used as a hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) scavenger or additive in formulations designed to mitigate sulfide stress cracking and equipment degradation.
Chemical Intermediate
Serves as a precursor for thiourea dioxide, thiocarbamide derivatives, and other sulfur-containing compounds used in textile processing, resins, and pharmaceuticals.
Used in the synthesis of herbicides, dyes, and rubber accelerators.
Photographic and Analytical Applications
Employed in photographic fixing and toning solutions due to its silver complexing ability.
Used in analytical chemistry as a reagent for detecting metal ions and in redox reactions.
Textiles and Paper Industry
Acts as a reducing agent and bleaching stabilizer, particularly in processes involving dyes and pigments.
Markets
Agriculture, Intermediates, Mining, Oil & Gas, Pharma, Pulp & Paper
Advantages
Effective corrosion inhibition and metal protection at low dosages
Serves as a safer alternative to cyanide in metal recovery
Chemically versatile and compatible with various formulations
Safety & Handling
Thiourea is toxic and potentially carcinogenic, requiring careful handling under controlled industrial conditions. Proper PPE, ventilation, and waste management are essential to ensure safe use.
Packaging & Shipping
1.1 MT IBC Drums