Synthesis and properties of alkylthiomethylated urea derivatives

Novel N,N′-bis[(alkylsulfanyl)methyl]ureas were prepared by three-component condensation of urea with formaldehyde and thiol in a NaOH solution, and alkylthiomethylated polymethyleneureas were prepared by the condensation of the same reactants in the presence of glacial acetic acid and without it. Polymethyleneureas efficiently sorb silver(I) from nitric acid solutions and palladium(II) from hydrochloric acid solutions. Alcoholsoluble N,N′-bis[(alkylsulfanyl)methyl]ureas inhibit carbon dioxide corrosion of St.3 steel.