Enamines

Definition

Enamines are organic compounds formed by the reaction between a secondary amine and an aldehyde or ketone, characterized by the presence of a nitrogen atom connected to a carbon-carbon double bond. They are the result of nucleophilic addition of amines to carbonyl compounds followed by dehydration.

Related terms

Imines:

Organic compounds formed by the reaction of primary amines with aldehydes or ketones, characterized by a nitrogen atom double-bonded to a carbon.

Aldehydes:

Organic compounds with at least one hydrogen atom attached to a carbonyl group, serving as key reactants in enamine formation.

Ketones:

Organic compounds characterized by a carbonyl group bonded to two alkyl or aryl groups, also key reactants in the formation of enamines