Andreas Sattler

Melamine–Melem Adduct Phases: Investigating the Thermal Condensation of Melamine

By studying the thermal condensation of melamine, we have identified three solid molecular adducts consisting of melamine C(3)N(3)(NH(2))(3) and melem C(6)N(7)(NH(2))(3) in differing molar ratios. We solved the crystal structure of 2 C(3)N(3)(NH(2))(3)C(6)N(7)(NH(2))(3) (1; C2/c; a=21.526(4), b=12.595(3), c=6.8483(14) A; beta=94.80(3) degrees ; Z=4; V=1850.2(7) A(3)), C(3)N(3)(NH(2))(3)C(6)N(7)(NH(2))(3) (2; Pcca; a=7.3280(2), b=7.4842(2), c=24.9167(8) A; Z=4; V=1366.54(7) A(3)), and C(3)N(3)(NH(2))(3)3 C(6)N(7)(NH(2))(3) (3; C2/c; a=14.370(3), b=25.809(5), c=8.1560(16) A; beta=94.62(3) degrees ; Z=4; V=3015.0(10) A(3)) by using single-crystal XRD. All syntheses were carried out in sealed glass ampoules starting from melamine. By variation of the reaction conditions in terms of temperature, pressure, and the presence of ammonia-binding metals (europium) we gained a detailed insight into the occurrence of the three adduct phases during the thermal condensation process of melamine leading to melem. A rational bulk synthesis allowed us to realize adduct phases as well as phase separation into melamine and melem under equilibrium conditions. A solid-state NMR spectroscopic investigation of adduct 1 was conducted.

Formation of Melamium Adducts by Pyrolysis of Thiourea or Melamine/NH4Cl Mixtures

Pyrolysis of prominent precursor compounds for the synthesis of carbon nitride type materials (e.g., melamine, thiourea) have been studied in detail. Molecular adducts containing monoprotonated melamium C(6)N(11)H(10)(+) and melaminium HC(3)N(3)(NH(2))(3)(+) ions, respectively, have been identified as intermediates. The adduct C(6)N(11)H(10)Cl·0.5NH(4)Cl was obtained by the reaction of melamine C(3)N(3)(NH(2))(3) with NH(4)Cl at 450 °C. During the pyrolysis of thiourea, guanidinium thiocyanate was initially formed and subsequently the melamium thiocyanate melamine adduct C(6)N(11)H(10)SCN·2C(3)N(3)(NH(2))(3) was isolated at 300 °C. A second melaminium thiocyanate melamine adduct with the formula HC(3)N(3)(NH(2))(3)SCN·2C(3)N(3)(NH(2))(3) represents an intermediary reaction product that is best accessible at low pressures. The crystal structures of the compounds were solved by single-crystal XRD. Unequivocal proton localization at the C(6)N(11)H(10)(+) ion was established. A typical intramolecular and interannular hydrogen bridge and other characteristic hydrogen-bonding motifs were identified. Additionally, the adducts were investigated by solid-state NMR spectroscopy. Our study provides detailed insight into the thermal condensation of thiourea by identifying and characterizing key intermediates involved in the condensation process leading to carbon nitride type materials. Furthermore, factors promoting the formation of melamium adduct phases over melem are discussed.