Studies on Leuckart-Wallach Reaction Paths

Abstract The Leuckart-Wallach reaction paths were investigated by means of catalytic reduction in the Leuckart-Wallach reaction system and on the basis of analogous formic acid reductions. It was determined that, in the early stage of the Leuckart-Wallach reaction, ammonia, amine and also formamide undergo addition reactions to carbonyl compounds. The addition of formamide catalyzed by formic acid plays a significant role only for the more reactive substrates such as benzaldehyde. The behaviors of plausible intermediates for the formic acid reduction are discussed on the basis of the data of similar formic acid reductions.