Dicyandiamide, Cyanoguanidine, Dicyandiamin, DCD, DCDA, 461-58-5

Dicyandiamide, Cyanoguanidine, Dicyandiamin, DCD, DCDA, 461-58-5

Chemical Identity

• Name: Dicyandiamide (DCD), also known as 2-Cyanoguanidine

• Formula: C₂H₄N₄

• CAS Number: 461-58-5

• Molecular Weight: 84.08 g/mol

• Appearance: White crystalline powder, odorless

• Density: 1.4 g/cm³

• Melting Point: 209.5 °C

• Solubility: Soluble in water, alcohol, and acetone; insoluble in non-polar organic solvents

Production

Dicyandiamide is produced by polymerization of cyanamide under controlled conditions:

• Cyanamide is prepared from ammonia and cyanogen halides.

• When heated or catalyzed, cyanamide polymerizes into dicyandiamide and higher oligomers.

• Reaction parameters such as temperature, pH, and catalysts are critical for purity and yield.

Industrial Applications and Usage Levels

1. Agriculture

• Used as a nitrification inhibitor and component of slow-release nitrogen fertilizers.

• Typical inclusion rate: 2–10% of fertilizer formulation.

• Improves nitrogen use efficiency, reduces nitrate leaching, and lowers nitrous oxide emissions.

• Widely applied in crops with high nitrogen demand such as maize, wheat, and barley.

2. Chemical Industry

• Intermediate in melamine production and guanidine derivatives.

• Consumed in large tonnage for melamine synthesis.

• Also used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals (e.g., barbiturates) and specialty chemicals.

3. Plastics and Epoxy Resins

• Functions as a curing agent for epoxy resins, laminates, adhesives, and powder coatings.

• Typical dosage: 3–8% of resin system.

• Provides thermal stability, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance.

4. Electronics

• Essential in printed circuit board laminates.

• Used at 5–10% levels in epoxy systems to achieve high-performance electrical insulation.

5. Explosives and Defense

• Acts as a stabilizer and fuel component in certain explosive formulations.

• Usage is limited to low percentages (1–3%) for safety and performance.

6. Water Treatment and Rubber Industry

• Applied in water conditioning chemicals and as an additive in rubber compounding.

• Dosage is typically below 2% depending on formulation.

7. Leather and Textile

• Serves as a selective filler in leather processing and as a flame-retardant agent in textile finishing.

• Used in low concentrations (1–3%).

Solubility and Application Behavior

• Water: Highly soluble, enabling easy incorporation into fertilizers and aqueous systems.

• Alcohols and Acetone: Soluble, suitable for resin formulations.

• Non-polar solvents: Insoluble, limiting its use in hydrophobic systems.

• Stability: Dry and stable at room temperature; decomposes upon melting rather than boiling.

Commercial Aspects

• Supplied in 25 kg bags for industrial use.

• Registered under REACH in Europe with an annual production/import volume of 10,000–100,000 tons.

• In Turkey, the product is mainly imported through distributors rather than locally manufactured.

Safety and Handling

• Store in a dry, cool environment.

• Use protective equipment (gloves, goggles, masks) during handling.

• Always verify COA (Certificate of Analysis) and TDS (Technical Data Sheet) for compliance.

In summary, Dicyandiamide is a versatile chemical with dual importance:

• In agriculture, it enhances nitrogen efficiency and reduces environmental impact.

• In industry, it is a critical intermediate for melamine and a curing agent for epoxy resins and laminates.

Solubility

• Water: Highly soluble, which makes it ideal for fertilizer formulations and aqueous systems. At 25 °C, solubility is about 4.13 g/100 ml.

• Alcohols and Acetone: Soluble, so it can be incorporated into epoxy resin systems and adhesives.

• Non-polar solvents (e.g., hexane, toluene): Insoluble, limiting its use in hydrophobic formulations.

• Stability: Stable in dry conditions at room temperature; decomposes upon melting rather than boiling.

Best Practices for Dissolution

1. Agriculture:

   • Dissolve directly in water-based fertilizer solutions or blend into granulated fertilizers.

   • Works best when evenly mixed into soil after application to maximize nitrification inhibition.

   • Dosage: typically 2–10% of fertilizer formulation.

2. Epoxy Resins and Laminates:

   • Dissolved in polar solvents or directly mixed into resin systems.

   • Requires controlled heating during curing to activate crosslinking.

   • Dosage: 3–8% of resin system depending on hardness and thermal resistance required.

3. Melamine Production:

   • Used in large tonnage as an intermediate; cyanamide is polymerized into dicyandiamide, then further processed into melamine.

   • Dissolution is not the main step here; instead, it undergoes controlled polymerization reactions.

4. Water Treatment and Rubber:

   • Dissolved in water for conditioning applications.

   • Dosage: typically below 2% depending on system design.

5. Leather and Textile:

   • Applied in aqueous finishing baths for selective filling or flame-retardant finishing.

   • Dosage: 1–3% depending on fabric or leather type.

How to Use Effectively

• Agriculture: Apply with fertilizers during soil preparation; ensure mixing into soil to prevent nitrate leaching.

• Epoxy Systems: Add as curing agent during resin formulation; control curing temperature for optimal performance.

• Industrial Synthesis: Use as a precursor in melamine and guanidine chemistry; requires precise reaction conditions.

• Environmental Applications: Incorporate into fertilizers to reduce nitrous oxide emissions and improve nitrogen efficiency.