Draw the condensed structural formula for urea.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the molecular formula of urea, which is ${\text{CH}}_4{\text{N}}_2\text{O}$.
2. Recognize that urea contains a carbonyl group (C=O) and two amine groups (NH2).
3. Understand that the carbon atom is the central atom, bonded to the oxygen atom via a double bond.
4. Attach each of the two nitrogen atoms to the central carbon atom, each with a single bond.
5. Complete the structure by adding two hydrogen atoms to each nitrogen atom, forming the condensed structural formula: ${\text{H}}_2{\text{NCONH}}_2$.

Key Concepts

Condensed Structural Formula

A condensed structural formula is a way of representing a chemical compound that shows the arrangement of atoms and the connectivity between them without depicting all the bonds explicitly. It simplifies the structure by grouping atoms together, often using parentheses to indicate branching. This format is particularly useful for organic compounds, allowing chemists to quickly understand the molecular structure.

Urea

Urea is an organic compound with the chemical formula CO(NH2)2. It is a colorless, odorless solid that is highly soluble in water and is primarily produced in the liver as a waste product of protein metabolism. Urea plays a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle and is commonly used in fertilizers and as a raw material in the chemical industry.

Functional Groups

Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. In the case of urea, the presence of the amine (-NH2) groups and the carbonyl (C=O) group defines its reactivity and properties. Understanding functional groups is essential for predicting how compounds will behave in chemical reactions.