Melamine
[CAS# 108-78-1]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Heterocyclic compound
• Name: Melamine
• Synonyms: 1,3,5-Triazine-2,4,6-triamine; 2,4,6-Triamino-1,3,5-triazine; 2,4,6-Triamino-s-triazine
• Molecular Formula: C₃H₆N₆
• Molecular Weight: 126.12
• CAS Registry Number: 108-78-1
• EC Number: 203-615-4
• SMILES: C1(=NC(=NC(=N1)N)N)N

Properties

• Density: 1.7±0.1 g/cm³, Calc.^*, 1.573 g/mL (Expl.)
• Melting point: 350 °C (decomp.) (Expl.)
• Index of Refraction: 1.826, Calc.^*
• Boiling Point: 557.5±33.0 °C (760 mmHg), Calc.^*
• Flash Point: 325.3±12.6 °C, Calc.^*, 300 °C (Expl.)
• Water solubility: 3 g/L (20 °C) (Expl.)

^* Calculated using Advanced Chemistry Development (ACD/Labs) Software.

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS08 Warning
• Risk Statements: H351-H361-H361f-H373
• Safety Statements: P203-P260-P280-P318-P319-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	2	H361
Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure	STOT RE	2	H373
Carcinogenicity	Carc.	2	H351
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	2	H361f
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	1	H410
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Skin corrosion	Skin Corr.	1C	H314
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H312
Acute hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Acute	1	H400
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1	H317
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H332
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335

Discovery and Applications

Melamine, a triazine compound with the formula C3H6N6, is an organic base known for its applications in industrial chemistry and materials science. The molecule is composed of a 1,3,5-triazine ring with three amine groups attached, conferring it high nitrogen content and exceptional thermal and chemical stability. These properties have made melamine a cornerstone in the production of various resins, coatings, and flame retardants.

Melamine was first synthesized in the early 19th century by Justus von Liebig through the decomposition of ammonium thiocyanate. Its structure and properties were further elucidated with advances in chemical analysis during the 20th century. By mid-century, its potential as a building block for polymers and resins became apparent, leading to the development of melamine-formaldehyde resins. These thermosetting plastics exhibit excellent hardness, scratch resistance, and thermal stability, making them ideal for laminates, kitchenware, and industrial coatings.

The primary application of melamine lies in its use to produce melamine-formaldehyde resin. This material is widely used in the manufacture of high-pressure laminates for furniture, flooring, and decorative surfaces. Its robustness and resistance to heat and stains make it suitable for both household and industrial applications. Additionally, melamine is employed in molding compounds to create durable and lightweight products such as dishware and electrical insulators.

Another critical use of melamine is in the production of flame retardants. The compound’s high nitrogen content contributes to its effectiveness in suppressing flames when incorporated into polymers and textiles. This has led to its inclusion in safety equipment, upholstery, and construction materials where fire resistance is essential.

Melamine also finds use in agriculture and animal husbandry. Its high nitrogen percentage has made it a controversial component in fertilizers and animal feed, although its misuse in these contexts has raised safety concerns. Regulatory measures have been implemented to prevent adulteration of food and feed products with melamine.

In recent years, melamine has gained attention for its potential in advanced applications, such as supercapacitors and adsorbents for water purification. Research into melamine-derived materials has demonstrated their ability to enhance the performance of energy storage devices and remove contaminants from water due to their tunable surface properties and chemical stability.

The versatility of melamine continues to make it an invaluable compound in multiple industries. While its historical applications have been well-established, ongoing innovation is expanding its role in emerging technologies, ensuring its relevance in addressing modern challenges in sustainability and material science.

References

2012. Comparison of three methods for detection of melamine in compost and soil. The Science of the Total Environment, 417-418.
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2011.12.014

2024. Synthesis and application of MIL-101-NH2-CC/Melamine@Co2+ as a heterogeneous catalyst for preparation of 2,4,5-trisubstituted imidazoles and reduction of methylene blue. Research on Chemical Intermediates, 50(5).
DOI: 10.1007/s11164-024-05257-x

2024. Visual and Sensitive Detection of Milk Adulterant Melamine by Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance Optical Characteristics of Ag-MOF@Fe/SnO2 Nanocomposite. Plasmonics, 19(5).
DOI: 10.1007/s11468-024-02333-1