I'm having trouble with TBR's presentation of imine reactions, primarily whether or not they are reversible. For example, on p. 171 they show rxn b/t primary amine and ketone to yield imine. Simple reaction, no problem. My issue is that they don't put double arrows on the equation, yet state in the text that "if there is no leaving group on the carbonyl, then the reaction ... is driven by its equilibrium." In passage 4, the reactions are presented with double arrows (ketone + amine <--> imine). I think they also need to show that water is produced, as this helps "track" what is actually taking place in the reaction - especially since they dont' give the mechanism!
Mainly I wanted some clarification (assurance) that these are, in fact, reversible equilibrium-driven reactions. I think it's just something that TBR has to work out in its next edition. I think the problem is that they're just showing part of the reaction, when it would be more helpful to show that water is produced, and with double arrows to show that it can go either way depending on reaction conditions.
Mainly I wanted some clarification (assurance) that these are, in fact, reversible equilibrium-driven reactions. I think it's just something that TBR has to work out in its next edition. I think the problem is that they're just showing part of the reaction, when it would be more helpful to show that water is produced, and with double arrows to show that it can go either way depending on reaction conditions.
