Convergent Versus Divergent Three-Step Synthesis of the First (4-Aminophenoxy)alkanoic Acid–Based Tripodal Melamines

Starting from N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetamide (Paracetamol, convergent approach) or from cyanuric chloride in reaction with 4-aminophenol (divergent approach), two synthetic routes toward novel tripodal N-substituted melamines as s-triazine derivatives of (4-aminophenoxy)acetic acid or of 4-(4-aminophenoxy)butyric acid are comparatively defined. The key steps consist of Williamson etherification of N-masked forms of 4-aminophenol and acidic hydrolysis of the N- and/or O-protected (4-aminophenoxy)alkanoic segments.