urethane

Urethane, also known as ethyl carbamate, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C3H7NO2 (NH2COOC2H5). It appears as odorless colorless crystals or a white powder and is readily soluble in water and alcohol. Urethane has historically been used in medicine as a sedative-hypnotic and anesthetic agent but is now rarely used clinically due to its carcinogenicity. Mechanistically, it acts primarily as a central nervous system depressant. Urethane has also been utilized in biochemical research and veterinary medicine. It is classified as a multisite carcinogen capable of inducing tumors in various animal species[2][5]. In addition to pharmaceutical uses, it serves roles as a solubilizer for pesticides/fumigants and can be found naturally at low levels in some fermented foods[5].

Other names

urethaneethyl carbamateurethancarbamic acid ethyl ester