Question

Which of the following is chemical name of 'melamine'? (a) \(1,3,5\)-triamino- \(2,4,6\)-triazine (b) \(2,4,6\)-triamino- \(1,3,5\)-triazine (c) 2 -amino- \(1,3,5\)-triazine (d) 2,4 -diamino- \(1,3,5\)-triazine

Short answer

The chemical name of melamine is option (a) 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-triazine.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Structure of Melamine

Melamine is an organic compound known to have a triazine ring (a six-membered ring containing three nitrogen atoms at alternate positions). It is specifically known to have three amino groups attached to this triazine ring.

Understand the Naming Convention

The chemical name of a compound should reflect its structure and the positions of its functional groups. In melamine, the amino groups are attached to each nitrogen of the triazine ring, specifically at positions 1, 3, and 5.

Match the Name with Options Provided

Review the options and match them with the correct structural naming: (a) 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-triazine (b) 2,4,6-triamino-1,3,5-triazine (c) 2-amino-1,3,5-triazine (d) 2,4-diamino-1,3,5-triazine. The correct name matches the attachment of amino groups at positions 1, 3, and 5, which is option (a).

Verify Correctness

Verify that option (a) indeed represents melamine. Melamine is known as 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-triazine because it has three amino groups, and triazine is implied by the 2,4,6 positions describing each nitrogen in the ring.

Key concepts

Triazine Ring

The triazine ring is a significant structural feature in many organic compounds. It consists of a six-membered ring that incorporates three nitrogen atoms, which are strategically positioned at intervals around the ring structure. These three nitrogen atoms typically replace carbon atoms in alternating positions, resulting in a symmetrical ring.
This unique arrangement, characterized by alternating carbon and nitrogen atoms, provides stability and reactivity that differ from ordinary carbon rings. For those studying chemistry, it's important to know that triazine rings belong to a larger class of nitrogen-rich compounds often used in various industrial applications, including resins, plastics, and dyes. Their arrangement makes them an essential backbone in materials like melamine, impacting the compound's overall properties and applications.

Amino Groups Positioning

Amino groups are functional groups containing nitrogen, crucial in a variety of organic chemistry compounds, including melamine. In melamine, the positioning of these amino groups is key to understanding its chemical structure. There are three amino groups in melamine, each attached to the triazine ring.
Specifically, these groups are positioned at the 1, 3, and 5 positions around the ring. This systematic positioning is vital because it influences how the compound behaves chemically. The placement ensures that each nitrogen in the triazine structure carries an amino group, giving melamine a unique set of properties, such as its ability to form strong and stable molecular bonds. Such stability is why melamine is widely used in creating durable plastic products and laminates.

Chemical Nomenclature

Chemical nomenclature is the systematic method used to name chemical compounds based on their structure and components. This method ensures consistency and clarity in the scientific community. For compounds like melamine, which feature a triazine ring and multiple amino groups, the naming must accurately describe these features.
In the case of melamine, its name "1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-triazine" succinctly describes the number and positions of amino groups on the triazine ring. Each digit in this name corresponds to a specific position on the ring where an amino group is attached. Understanding chemical nomenclature is critical for students and professionals as it allows for the precise identification and communication of complex chemical structures. This system reduces ambiguity, aiding in research, production, and safety protocols.