Semicarbazide

The compound prepared by treating urea with hydrazine:[2] A further reaction can occur to give carbohydrazide: Semicarbazide is frequently reacted with aldehydes and ketones to produce semicarbazones via a condensation reaction.

This is an example of imine formation resulting from the reaction of a primary amine with a carbonyl group.

[3] Semicarbazide products (semicarbazones and thiosemicarbazones) are known to have an activity of antiviral, antiinfective and antineoplastic through binding to copper or iron in cells.

Semicarbazide is used in preparing pharmaceuticals including nitrofuran antibacterials (furazolidone, nitrofurazone, nitrofurantoin) and related compounds.

Semicarbazide stains α-keto acids on the TLC plate, which can then be viewed under ultraviolet light.

Skeletal formula of semicarbazide
Ball-and-stick model of the semicarbazide molecule
NFPA 704 four-colored diamond Health 2: Intense or continued but not chronic exposure could cause temporary incapacitation or possible residual injury. E.g. chloroform Flammability 0: Will not burn. E.g. water Instability 0: Normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water. E.g. liquid nitrogen Special hazards (white): no code