Summary In an alkaline solution containing higher concentrations of urea, a portion of the ammonia present can be detected by Nessler reagent only if the solution is first acidified. This effect can be postulated as due to the presence of the compound NH3CO (NH2) 2 in the alkaline solution. The hydrolysis of urea by urease in acetate buffer solution is not inhibited by higher urea concentrations if the pH is sufficiently low; under these conditions ...
