Worked Example 18.1 Using a Reductive Amination Reaction Strategy Look at the target molecule,and identify the groups attached to nitrogen One of the groups must be derived from the aldehyde or ketone component and the other must be derived from the amine component In the case of N-methyl-2-phenylethylamine there are two combinations that can lead to the product: -Phenylacetaldehyde plus methylamine Formaldehyde plus 2-phenylethylamine In general,it's usually better to choose the combination with the simple amine component -methylamine in this case- and to use an excess of that amine as reactantStrategy ▪ Look at the target molecule, and identify the groups attached to nitrogen ▪ One of the groups must be derived from the aldehyde or ketone component and the other must be derived from the amine component ▪ In the case of N-methyl-2-phenylethylamine there are two combinations that can lead to the product: ▪ Phenylacetaldehyde plus methylamine ▪ Formaldehyde plus 2-phenylethylamine ▪ In general, it’s usually better to choose the combination with the simple amine component – methylamine in this case – and to use an excess of that amine as reactant Worked Example 18.1 Using a Reductive Amination Reaction