Abstract: A catalytic process has been found to produce urea or its equivalent, NH.sub.4 NCO, under relatively mild pressure and temperature conditions. This process entails flowing a gas mixture containing NO.sub.x, CO, and a source of hydrogen such as H.sub.2 or H.sub.2 C over a hydrogenation catalyst such as platinum. Yields of urea above 90 percent based on NO.sub.x conversion are obtainable.

Abstract: The use of a reaction mixture of carbon monoxide, an oxide of nitrogen such as nitric oxide, and a source of hydrogen when passed over a hydrogenation catalyst produces cyanate compounds, e.g., ammonium cyanate and isocyanic acid. The reaction conditions chosen determine the relative amounts of the various cyanate compounds to be formed. When the formation of ammonium cyanate is desired, the addition of ammonia to the reaction mixture reduces the amount of nitric oxide reactant necessary, while enhancing the efficiency of ammonium cyanate production. When a palladium or iridium catalyst is used, the production of isocyanic acid is favored.