Synthesis, characterization, and polymerization of vinylmelamines

Vinyl functionalized melamine derivatives for cross-linking based on polymerization were synthesized as potential substitutes for harmful formaldehyde in melamine resins. Methylmelamines undergo direct vinylation with acetylene to the corresponding vinylmelamines in more than 95% conversion. Their chemical structures were fully characterized by mass spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, elementary analysis, 1 H, 13 C, and 2D correlation nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments. Linear and cross-linked polymers were prepared by free radical polymerization neat and in solution and characterized by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-ToF) mass spectrometry. Graphical abstract