Chemistry
Urea contains a carbonyl group. The more electronegative oxygen atom pulls electrons away from the carbon forming a greater electron density around the oxygen, giving the oxygen a partial negative charge and forming a polar bond. When nitric acid is presented, it ionizes. A hydrogen ion contributed by the acid is attracted to the oxygen and forms a covalent bond . The electronegative NO3- ion then is attracted to the positive hydrogen ion. This forms an ionic bond and hence the compound urea nitrate.
(NH2)2CO (aq) + HNO3 (aq) → (NH2)2COHNO3 (s)
The compound is favored by many amateur explosive enthusiasts as a principal explosive for use in larger charges. In this role it acts as a substitute for ammonium nitrate based explosives. This is due to the ease of acquiring the materials necessary to synthesize it, and its greater sensitivity to initiation compared to ammonium nitrate based explosives.
Read more about this topic: Urea Nitrate
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