Melamine

C₃H₆N₆

IUPAC: 1,3,5-Triazine-2,4,6-triamine

CAS: 108-78-1

Overview

Melamine is used to produce melamine resin (used in laminates like Formica) and melamine foam (Magic Eraser). It gained infamy from the 2008 Chinese milk scandal.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 6 1.0080
Carbon C 3 12.0110
Nitrogen N 6 14.0070

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×6
4.8%
C
Carbon ×3
28.6%
N
Nitrogen ×6
66.6%

Uses

  • • Melamine resin (laminates)
  • • Melamine foam (Magic Eraser)
  • • Flame retardant

Fun Facts

  • ✦ The 2008 Chinese milk scandal involved melamine added to milk to fake higher protein content

Safety

  • ⚠ Kidney damage if ingested
  • ⚠ 2008 milk adulteration scandal

Structure

SMILES

C1(=NC(=NC(=N1)N)N)N

Properties

Type
organic
State
solid
Molar Mass
126.12 g/mol
Density
1.5730 g/cm³
Melting Point
354.0 °C
Solubility
3.2 g/L at 20°C

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
126.0654
XLogP
-1.4
TPSA
117.0 Ų
H-Bond Donors
3
H-Bond Acceptors
6
Rotatable Bonds
0
Heavy Atoms
9
Complexity
63.0

Related Compounds

1,2-Dichloroethane

C₂H₄Cl₂

1,3-Butadiene

C₄H₆

1,4-Dioxane

C₄H₈O₂

1-Butanol

C₄H₁₀O

2-Propanol

C₃H₈O

Acetaldehyde

CH₃CHO

Acetamide

C₂H₅NO

Acetic Anhydride

C₄H₆O₃

Acetone

(CH₃)₂CO

Acetonitrile

C₂H₃N

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Melamine?
Melamine (C₃H₆N₆) is a organic compound with the IUPAC name 1,3,5-Triazine-2,4,6-triamine.
What is the molecular weight of Melamine?
Melamine has a molar mass of 126.12 g/mol.
What state is Melamine at room temperature?
Melamine is a solid at room temperature.
Is Melamine organic or inorganic?
Melamine is classified as an organic compound.
What elements make up Melamine?
Melamine (C₃H₆N₆) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N).