''N''-(''n''-Butyl)thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) is the
organophosphorus compound
Organophosphorus compounds are organic compounds containing phosphorus. They are used primarily in pest control as an alternative to chlorinated hydrocarbons that persist in the environment. Some organophosphorus compounds are highly effective in ...
with the formula SP(NH
2)
2(NHC
4H
9). A white solid, NBPT is an "enhanced efficiency fertilizer", intended to limit the release of nitrogen-containing gases following fertilization. Regarding its chemical structure, the molecule features tetrahedral phosphorus bonded to sulfur and three amido groups.
Use
NBPT functions as an inhibitor of the enzyme
urease
Ureases (), functionally, belong to the superfamily of amidohydrolases and phosphotriesterases. Ureases are found in numerous bacteria, fungi, algae, plants, and some invertebrates, as well as in soils, as a soil enzyme. They are nickel-containin ...
.
Urease, pervasive in soil microorganisms, converts urea into ammonia, which is susceptible to volatilization if produced faster than it can utilized by plants. Approximately 0.5% by weight NBPT is mixed with the urea.
See also
*
Phenyl phosphorodiamidate
Phenyl phosphorodiamidate is an organophosphorus compound with the formula C6H5OP(O)(NH2)2. A white solid, it is used as an inhibitor of urease, an enzyme that accelerates the hydrolysis of urea. In this way, phenyl phosphorodiamidate enhances the ...
, another urease inhibitor
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Butyl)thiophosphoric triamide, N-(n-
Thiophosphoryl compounds
Soil improvers
Fertilizers