Learn imine formation step-by-step: carbinolamine intermediate, dehydration, and why pH control matters. Includes imine vs enamine notes and common exam distractors.
Reactants: Aldehyde/ketone + 1° amine
Catalyst: Mild acid (pH ~4–5 is the common teaching point)
Key intermediates: Carbinolamine → iminium
Driving strategy: Remove water to push equilibrium
Variant note: 2° amine gives enamine instead of imine