Reductive Amination: Turn Carbonyls into Amines (Imine → Reduction)

Learn reductive amination: imine/iminium formation from carbonyls and amines, then selective reduction. Predict products and troubleshoot failures.

• Reaction: Aldehyde/ketone → amine
• What it does: Forms C–N bond then reduces
• Typical reagents: Amine + acid (to form iminium) + NaBH3CN or NaBH(OAc)3
• Key intermediate: Imine / iminium ion
• Driving force: Stable C–N bond formation; selective hydride reduction
• Exam type: Synthesis planning
• Exam type: Mechanism choice