Mannich reaction

In organic chemistry, the Mannich reaction is a three-component organic reaction that involves the amino alkylation of an acidic proton next to a carbonyl (C=O) functional group by formaldehyde (H−CHO) and a primary or secondary amine (−NH₂) or ammonia (NH₃). The final product is a β-amino-carbonyl compound also known as a Mannich base. Reactions between aldimines and α-methylene carbonyls are also considered Mannich reactions because these imines form between amines and aldehydes. The reaction is named after Carl Mannich.

The Mannich reaction starts with the nucleophilic addition of an amine to a carbonyl group followed by dehydration to the Schiff base. The Schiff base is an electrophile which reacts in a second step in an electrophilic addition with an enol formed from a carbonyl compound containing an acidic alpha-proton. The Mannich reaction is a condensation reaction.^: 140

In the Mannich reaction, primary or secondary amines or ammonia react with formaldehyde to form a Schiff base. Tertiary amines lack an N–H proton and so do not react. The Schiff base can react with α-CH-acidic compounds (nucleophiles) that include carbonyl compounds, nitriles, acetylenes, aliphatic nitro compounds, α-alkyl-pyridines or imines. It is also possible to use activated phenyl groups and electron-rich heterocycles such as furan, pyrrole, and thiophene. Indole is a particularly active substrate; the reaction provides gramine derivatives.

The Mannich reaction can be considered to involve a mixed-aldol reaction, dehydration of the alcohol, and conjugate addition of an amine (Michael reaction) all happening in "one-pot". Double Mannich reactions can also occur.