The direct reductive amination of an aldehyde or ketone with a primary amine yields a secondary amine. This transformation inherently proceeds via the formation and subsequent reduction of which unsta

Question

The direct reductive amination of an aldehyde or ketone with a primary amine yields a secondary amine. This transformation inherently proceeds via the formation and subsequent reduction of which unstable class of intermediate?

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: C. The primary amine nucleophilically attacks the carbonyl carbon, initiating a condensation reaction that forcefully expels a molecule of water to form an unstable intermediate featuring a carbon-nitrogen double bond (), known strictly as an imine or Schiff's base. This imine is then rapidly reduced to the final amine.

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