Structure of hemiaminal intermediate of the reaction of diethylamine with cyclobutanone

The intermediate of the reaction between cyclobutanone and diethylamine has been crystallized in situ in form of co-crystal with diethylamine and its structure has been determined by X-ray crystallography. The study made possible to have an insight in the mechanism of the reaction and reveals the potential of in situ cryo-crystallization technique as an additional tool for studying the mechanisms of chemical reactions. The related structure of co-crystal of diethylamine with adipic acid, which is a product of cyclohexanone oxidative cleavage, is also reported.