Leuckart Reaction

Leuckart reaction converts aldehydes or ketones to amines by reductive amination at elevated temperature between 120° C and 130° C or even higher. This reaction named after German chemist Rudolf Leuckart, utilizes ammonium formate or formamide as the nitrogen donar and reducing agent.

Mechanism of Leuckart Reaction

Ammonium formate as reagent

Formamide as reagent