Simagchem Corp.

Chemical Properties Urethane is a colorless, almost odorless crystalline solid or powder.

Occurrence Urethane (ethyl carbamate) occurs as a natural byproduct in fermented products such as wine, liquors, yogurt, beer, bread, olives, cheeses, and soy sauces. Whereas urethane has a known cancer etiology in experimental animals, no such relationship has yet been proven in humans. Alcohol may act by blocking the metabolism of urethane, and thus exert a protective effect in humans consuming alcoholic beverages.

Uses The primary use of urethane has been as a chemical intermediate in preparation of amino resins (IARC 1974). The process involves a reaction with formaldehyde to give hydroxymethyl derivatives that are used as cross-linking agents in permanent-press textile treatments designed to impart wash-and-wear properties to fabrics. Urethane isalso used as a solubilizer and co-solvent in the manufacture of pesticides, fumigants, and cosmetics, as an intermediate in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, and in biochemical research (HSDB 2009). Urethane was formerly used as an active ingredient in drugs prescribed for the treatment of neoplastic diseases, as a sclerosing solution for varicose veins, as a hypnotic, and as a topical bactericide. It is also used in veterinary medicine as an anesthetic (IARC 1974). Urethane is produced naturally during many fermentation processes(Zimmerli and Schlatter 1991).

Uses Naturally occurring contaminant in fermented foods, particularly wine, stone-fruit brandies, and bread. This substance is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.

Uses antiinfective

Uses Intermediate in organic synthesis. In the preparation and modification of amino resins. As solvent, solubilizer and cosolvent for various organic materials. Animal anesthetic in laboratory procedures.