Leuckart rather popular route. If you have access to MDP2P and NMF, we can try it. Access to the reagents - base in choosing a route. What reagents you can buy, that route and choose.
William DampierIf you did have access to any reagent. What route would you take? lets say your reacting 1-5kg of ketone at a time. The Leuckart route just sounds more convenient, doesn't it? for a 5kg synth..
"heat to 190°C (at 140°C H2O + Formic acid comes over) for about 6 Hrs. until
smell of Ammonia-gas is present at the collecting flask. No vacuum! Let cool and
wash with 350 L water to get rid of excess NMF. Tap off 160 L oil and extract
the remaining water with 2 x 30 L DCM. Cook off that DCM at 60°C and 200 mm Hg.
Add the 20 L extra oil to the 160 L = 180 L."
I'm curious what kind of reaction vessels would be used for this reaction considering you heat to 190c for 6 hours, can you do this in stainless steal? I was thinking some plastic 30gal or 55gal drums, just not sure if it will be happy with 6 hours at 190c.