Melamine Derivatives - A Review on Synthesis and Application

Melamine (2,4,6-triamino-1,3,5-triazine) was first synthesized by Liebig in 1834 and its industrial application, starting with the development of melamine formaldehyde resins in the late 1930ies, has boomed since. In the last 80 years a vast number of different melamine derivatives have been prepared in order to provide structures for applications such as polymers, medicinal drugs, or biologically active compounds. It is the purpose of this review to give an overview on the currently available melamine derivatives and the synthesis strategies leading to their formation.