Abstract Symmetrical N, N′-disubstituted ureas have been synthesized and characterized. Among them, the branched dialkylureas prepared are highly soluble in organic media. Moreover, the solutions obtained are very viscous in heptane, if the branched alkyl groups are not too bulky (ie a methyl group on the α carbon, or an ethyl group on the β carbon). Due to the strong, bifurcated hydrogen bonds between the urea moieties, linear ...