Ammelide

Ammelide is a chemical compound formally known as 4,6-diamino-2-hydroxy-1,3,5-triazine. It is a white, crystalline solid that is a derivative of triazine. Ammelide is one of the degradation products of melamine, a nitrogen-rich organic compound used in plastics, coatings, and flame retardants. Along with cyanuric acid and ammeline, ammelide is produced during the hydrolysis of melamine. These hydrolysis products are often found together and can be problematic in certain applications, particularly in food safety.

The presence of ammelide in food products, especially those containing melamine, has raised concerns due to its potential toxicity, although it is generally considered less toxic than melamine itself. The concern primarily arises when ammelide is ingested alongside other melamine derivatives, as they can potentially contribute to kidney stone formation and other health issues.

Ammelide is sparingly soluble in water and most common organic solvents. It possesses weakly acidic properties due to the presence of the hydroxyl group. Chemically, it contains a triazine ring with two amino groups (-NH2) and one hydroxyl group (-OH) attached. This structure allows it to participate in hydrogen bonding and other intermolecular interactions.

Ammelide is typically analyzed and identified using techniques such as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and other chromatographic methods. These techniques are crucial for detecting and quantifying the levels of ammelide in various samples, including food and environmental samples.