[g_orbital]

I try to figure out the mechanism of hydrogenation from amide to imine by Schwartz's reagent (ZrHClCp₂). I understand that the first intermediate is addition of the amide's oxygen to the Metal (Zr) but I don't understand how does this intermediate converts into imine.

Thank you very much indeed (Herewith attached the general scheme).

[movies]

When the amide attacks the Zr, it should displace the Cl, not the H, so in your second structure you should still have an H attached to the metal center.  Then it's pretty much an addition-elimination mechanism like with esterification of a carboxylic acid.  Your byproduct should be Cp₂Zr=O

[GSK]

I don't know because I've never been able to get the Schwartz reagent to do anything for me. Never worked