[kevin_lofgren]

Hi there.  My question involves the synthesis and isolation of an imine.  I would like to get some feedback to see if I am on the right track.  Can I mix a ketone and a primary amine with a catalytic amount of concentrated sulfuric acid to yield an imine?  I will have to distill the water to separate the imine from the water correct?  Since I'm am only using a catalytic amount of acid the imine shouldn't precipitate as a salt, correct?  But, when I'm distilling the product wont the water react with the imine and give me a ketone again??  Should I use an organic solvent to keep the water separate from my organic product?  Thanks for any advice.     

[kriggy]

I did synthesise imines without destilation of water, I dont think it is necessary unless you tried the reaction without it and it is not working. If your amine or aldehyde are liquid, then you can run the reaction without solvent, even without catalytic acid if you heat it