a method of introducting the amino group NH2 into various organic compounds. A typical example of amination is the action of alkali metal amides on heterocyclic bases. Thus, the interaction of pyridine with sodium amide at temperatures of about 200°C leads to the formation of α-aminopyridine (A. E. Chichibabin and O. A. Zeide, 1914):
C5H5N + NaNH2 → C5H4N(NH2) + NaH
Passing benzene vapor with ammonia through an incandescent tube results in a very low output of aniline:
C6H6 + NH3 → C6H5NH2 + H2