Preparation of Aminals under Continuous Flow Conditions.

A laboratory experiment was developed for the continuous flow preparation of an aminal derived from the condensation of furfural with morpholine. The experiment introduces the students to concepts of green chemistry, heterogeneous catalysis, and continuous flow. A cheap and easy setup allows the heterogeneous catalyst reactor to be built in class. The use of furfural reinforces the importance of green chemistry by using one of the key synthons obtained from biomass.