Question

Propose a mechanism for the acid-catalyzed reaction of cyclohexanone with pyrrolidine.

Short answer

Alkylation of enamine is termed the Stork reaction. This reaction alkylates or acylates a ketone’s alpha position using several alkyl or acyl halides.

Step-by-step solution

Alkylation of enamine

Alkylation of enamine is termed the Stork reaction. This reaction alkylates or acylates a ketone’s alpha position using several alkyl or acyl halides.

Proposing a mechanism for the acid-catalyzed reaction of cyclohexanone with pyrrolidine

The mechanism for the acid-catalyzed reaction of cyclohexanone with pyrrolidine is shown below:

Mechanism for the reaction of cyclohexanone with pyrrolidine