How is benzamide converted into benzylamine?

The conversion of benzamide to benzylamine involves reducing the carbonyl group (C=O) in benzamide to a methylene group (CH2) while introducing an amino group (NH2) in its place. One common method to achieve this transformation is through the use of reducing agents. One such reducing agent is lithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH4).

Here's a general outline of the reaction:

Reduction with LiAlH4:

First, benzamide (C6H5CONH2) is treated with lithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH4).
The reducing agent donates hydride ions (H^-), leading to the reduction of the carbonyl group in benzamide.
Hydrolysis:

After the reduction, the resulting intermediate is then hydrolyzed, usually by adding water (H2O) or an acid, to remove any remaining lithium salts and convert the intermediate to the desired amine product.