Imine and Enamine Formation from Carbonyls: Mechanism + Exam Traps

Form imines from aldehydes/ketones + 1° amines and enamines from 2° amines: acid-catalyzed addition–elimination with water removal to drive equilibrium.

• Reaction: Imine and Enamine Formation from Carbonyls
• What it does: Form imines from aldehydes/ketones + 1° amines and enamines from 2° amines: acid-catalyzed addition–elimination with water removal to drive equilibrium.
• Typical reagents: NH3 (imine) or 2° amine (enamine) + acid catalyst
• Key intermediate: Imine / iminium
• Driving force: Formation of more stable bonds / products
• Exam type: Predict major product
• Exam type: Mechanism choice