question_answer

Why is it necessary to control the pH during the reaction of aldehydes and ketones with ammonia derivatives?

Answer:

                The addition of ammonia derivative \[(N{{H}_{2}}-G)\] to aldehydes and ketones is done in weakly acidic medium (pH about 3.5). In case the medium is strongly acidic (pH close to 1), then the ammonia derivative will be also protonated and will not be able to act as a nucleophile.