Amination of Methane and Ethane by Mercury Photosensitization in the Presence of Ammonia

When the primary products are condensed in a cold trap to prevent further reaction, CH 4 /NH 3 and C 2 H 6 /NH 3 mixtures can be converted into imines in the presence of Hg vapor on UV irradiation [Eq. (a)]. Slowing the gas circulation rate during the photolysis leads to CC bond formation; for example, CH 3 CHNH is formed from CH 4 /NH 3 . R  H, CH 3 . equation image