Question

Melmac, a thermosetting polymer formed from melamine and formaldehyde $({\mathrm{CH}}_2=O)$, is used to make dishes and countertops. Draw a stepwise mechanism for the condensation of one mole of formaldehyde with two moles of melamine, which begins the synthesis of Melmac.

Short answer

Answer

Mechanism of the reaction

Step-by-step solution

Melmac

The condensation polymer formed by the condensation reaction between formaldehyde and melamine is Melmac. This polymer formation requires an alkaline medium. This polymer is non-biodegradable in nature.

About the mechanism

The melamine is treated with formaldehyde followed by proton transfer. On rearrangement, there will be a formation of a cation. The mechanism is shown below.

Mechanism of the reaction

About the mechanism

The obtained cation is further rearranged in step-by-step manner to get the final product. The mechanism is shown below.

Mechanism of the reaction