Abstract

The Mannich reaction consists in the condensation of ammonia or a primary or secondary amine, usually as the hydrochloride, with formaldehyde and a compound containing at least one hydrogen atom of pronounced reactivity. The essential feature of The Reaction">the reaction is the replacement of the active hydrogen atom by an aminomethyl or substituted aminomethyl group. The product from acetophenone, formaldehyde, and a secondary amine salt is an example. The product to be expected from a Mannich reaction involving an ammonium salt is a primary amine. The mechanism of the Mannich reaction has not been established.