Abstract A complex spectral (UV, IR, and 31 P NMR), preparative, and kinetic investigation of the mechanism of the noncatalytic variant of the Pudovik reaction in the series of imines was carried out. The reaction proceeds through a four-center cyclic transition state. The transition state is highly labile, which determines its high sensitivity to the structure of the reagents, the nature of the solvent and catalyst, and some other factors. The necessary condition for the ...