Isocyanic acid

Isocyanic acid (HNCO) is a colorless, volatile inorganic acid and the simplest isocyanate. Its structure is H–N=C=O, distinct from the connectivity of cyanic acid.

Isomerism: The existence of compounds with the same molecular formula but different arrangements of atoms. HNCO has structural isomers whose different atom connectivity changes their chemical behavior.
Atmospheric chemistry: The study of chemical transformations and composition in Earth's atmosphere. Atmospheric HNCO forms from combustion and participates in gas-to-particle chemistry.
Chemical formula: A notation showing the types and numbers of atoms in a chemical substance. HNCO states the atom counts that define isocyanic acid's molecular composition.
Atmospheric lifetime: The characteristic time a substance remains in the atmosphere before removal or transformation. HNCO's lifetime depends on reactions and uptake by airborne particles and surfaces.
Friedrich Wöhler: A German chemist known for synthesizing urea from inorganic compounds in 1828. Wöhler's work on cyanate chemistry helped establish the compounds related to HNCO.
Cyanic acid: An unstable acid with formula HOCN, isomeric with isocyanic acid. It has the same formula as HNCO but places hydrogen on oxygen rather than nitrogen.
Biomass burning: The combustion of living or recently living vegetation, including wildfires and agricultural fires. Burning vegetation releases HNCO into the atmosphere.
Covalent bond: A chemical bond formed when atoms share electron pairs. The H–N, N=C, and C=O bonds define HNCO's molecular structure.
Aerosol chemistry: The study of chemical reactions involving suspended liquid or solid particles in air. Particle uptake may remove HNCO from air and alter its atmospheric fate.
Interstellar chemistry: The study of chemical reactions and molecules in space between stars. HNCO has been detected in interstellar environments, where gas-phase reactions form it.

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