Sciencemadness Discussion Board

OK to Use denatured alcohol for reductive amination reaction?

AttiganDruga - 31-1-2013 at 18:41

Does using an alcohol other than ethanol do anything to harm the reaction? Methanol for example or the small amount of denaturant? 190 proof vodka is expensive, denatured alcohol from the hardware store is less expensive. Thanks.

zed - 1-2-2013 at 14:06

Some reductive aminations are run in methanol. Another popular solvent is Isopropyl Alcohol. Cheap, untaxed, easy to obtain, fairly safe to use.

chemrox - 1-2-2013 at 21:19

if the reaction generates water I would want an immiscible solvent like toluene that boild above water so I can use a Dean Stark. Alcohol might work with sieves