Simplified Ketimine Preparation

Abstract

An extremely simple method for preparing imines from aryl and alkylaryl ketones and a variety of amines is presented. The process involves the diffusion of the appropriate amine vapor from one arm of an H-tube into the other arm containing the ketone. Most reactions are quantitative, and, in many cases, there is no real work-up or purification required.

Keywords:

• Green chemistry
• ketimine
• solvent-free

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This project was supported in part by the Australian Research Council Centre for Green Chemistry. N. T. is grateful to Monash University for scholarship support.

Notes

^a Aqueous amine solution was used for R=H, Me.

^b Small amount of dry methanol was added to the ketone.

^c Product not purified.