Identifiers | |
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3D model (JSmol)
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ChemSpider | |
PubChem CID
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CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
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Properties | |
[NH4][OCN] | |
Molar mass | 60.056 g·mol−1 |
Appearance | Colorless crystals |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Ammonium cyanate is an inorganic compound with the formula [NH4]+[OCN]−. It is a colorless, solid salt.
The structure of this salt was verified by X-ray crystallography. The respective C–O and C–N distances are 1.174(8) and 1.192(7) Å, consistent with the O=C=N− description. Ammonium cation [NH4]+ forms hydrogen bonds with cyanate anion O=C=N−, but to N, not to O.[1]
The compound is notable as the precursor in the Wöhler synthesis of urea, an organic compound, from inorganic reactants.[2] This led to the discarding of the Vital force theory, suggested earlier by Berzelius.