The Initial Stage of the Reaction of Melamine with Formaldehyde

The concentration-time relationships of the individual active species in the oligocondensation stage of the reaction of melamine with formaldehyde have been investigated, mainly by electrochemical methods. Based on the reaction equations, a kinetic model of the overall reaction was established and the rate constants were calculated by numerical methods. The results suggest the hydroxy-methylamines are converted to methylene and dimethylene ether bridged compounds by acid- and base-catalyzed reactions, respectively. At pH 7-10 the formation of methylene bridges by base-catalyzed scission of dimethylene ether bridges may occur.