Aminal

In organic chemistry, an aminal or aminoacetal is a functional group or type of organic compound that has two amine groups attached to the same carbon atom: −C(NR2)(NR2)−.

(As is customary in organic chemistry, R can represent hydrogen or an alkyl group).

[1] A common aminal is bis(dimethylamino)methane, a colorless liquid that is prepared by the reaction of dimethylamine and formaldehyde:[2] Aminals are encountered in, for instance, the Fischer indole synthesis.

[3] Hexahydro-1,3,5-triazine ((CH2NH)3), an intermediate in the condensation of formaldehyde and ammonia, tends to degrade to hexamethylene tetraamine.

Cyclic aminals can be obtained by the condensation of a diamine and an aldehyde.