REACTIONS IN THE SYSTEM (HYDROXYMETHYL)MELAMINES-OXIRANES - ADDITION

In the system: (hydroxymethyl)melamine (HMM)-oxiranes in non-aq. media and in the presence of triethylamine as catalyst there compete reacti ons of (i) oxirane addition and (ii) condensation of hydroxymethyl der ivatives to form cross-linked structures. The addition reaction has be en studied in this study. In an empirical kinetic equation found to de scribe the process, the rate constants of addition have been determine d for several HMM's and oxiranes. The mechanism of reaction has been p roposed. The reactivities of functional groups in HMM's and oxiranes h ave been determined. The rate constants for reactions of ethylene oxid e with HMM's that have not been used in experiments, have also been ca lculated.