Urea Nitrate
Definition
An ionic explosive salt formed by neutralisation of urea with nitric acid. Detonation velocity approximately 3,400 m/s. Used in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Identified by IC (urea + nitrate at 1:1 molar ratio) and LC-MS/MS urea [M+H]+ at m/z 61.
- Chemical type
- Ionic explosive salt
- Detonation velocity
- Approximately 3,400 m/s
- Primary detection method
- Ion chromatography and LC-MS
Common questions
What is urea nitrate and how is it made?+
Urea nitrate is a high explosive salt created by reacting urea with nitric acid. It's an ionic compound formed through neutralization of those two chemicals. The result is a stable solid that can be detonated.
How do forensic labs identify urea nitrate?+
Labs use two main detection methods. Ion chromatography (IC) identifies the urea and nitrate ions together at a 1:1 molar ratio. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) detects it at specific mass-to-charge ratios: m/z 121 for the combined urea-nitrate ion, or m/z 61 for urea alone in LC-MS/MS analysis.
What is the detonation speed of urea nitrate?+
Urea nitrate detonates at approximately 3,400 meters per second, a velocity consistent with a high explosive.
Related terms
- ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil)
- A low-sensitivity bulk explosive mixture of prilled ammonium nitrate (94 per cent by weight) and fuel oil (6 per cent). The primary...
- EU Regulation 2019/1148
- The European Union regulation on the marketing and use of explosive precursors, restricting public access to hydrogen peroxide above 12%, nitric acid...
- HMTD (Hexamethylene Triperoxide Diamine)
- A peroxide explosive analogue of TATP, synthesised from hexamine (hexamethylenetetramine), hydrogen peroxide, and citric acid. Similar sensitivity profile. Detected by LC-MS/MS as...
- TATP (Triacetone Triperoxide)
- A cyclic peroxide explosive (C9H18O6) synthesised from acetone, hydrogen peroxide, and an acid catalyst. Sensitive to friction, heat, shock, and prolonged storage....
- Ammonium Adduct [M + NH4]+
- The dominant ionisation form of TATP in positive-mode ESI LC-MS when ammonium acetate or formate is present in the mobile phase. TATP...
- Ammonium Nitrate Security Program (ANSP)
- A US DHS/CISA program mandated by the 2008 Farm Bill requiring registration of ammonium nitrate facilities and verification of purchaser identity. A...
- Chapman-Jouguet Pressure
- The detonation pressure at the reaction zone/product interface in a steadily propagating detonation. For ANFO at operational density, approximately 5 GPa (versus...
- DADP (Diacetone Diperoxide)
- A six-membered ring peroxide co-product of TATP synthesis. Less stable than TATP. Detected alongside TATP in post-blast samples where the synthesis conditions...
- IMS Positive-Ion Mode
- An operating mode for ion mobility spectrometry instruments in which analyte ions are formed with positive charge through proton attachment or ammonium...
- India Ammonium Nitrate Rules 2012
- Rules promulgated under the Explosives Act 1884 by the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry, requiring PESO licences for import, manufacture, storage,...
- PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation)
- The Indian regulatory authority under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry that administers the Explosive Substances Act 1908 and subordinate rules, including...
- Sublimation Hazard
- The tendency of TATP and HMTD to convert directly from solid to vapour at ambient temperature and pressure, reducing residue availability at...
Explained in these topics
- Homemade Explosives: TATP, HMTD, Urea Nitrate and Precursor ControlA high explosive salt formed by the reaction of urea with nitric acid. The main charge in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Detected by LC-MS at m/z 121 ([u...
- Improvised Explosives: TATP, ANFO, Urea Nitrate and Modern IEDsAn ionic explosive salt formed by neutralisation of urea with nitric acid. Detonation velocity approximately 3,400 m/s. Used in the 1993 World Trade Center bom...