The Mannich Reaction is a chemical process that involves the formation of β-amino carbonyl compounds. It typically occurs when an aldehyde, a primary or secondary amine, and a carbonyl compound (like a ketone) react together. This reaction is valuable in organic synthesis for creating complex molecules, especially in pharmaceuticals. In the Mannich Reaction, the amine acts as a nucleophile, attacking the carbonyl carbon of the aldehyde, leading to the formation of an iminium ion. This intermediate then reacts with the carbonyl compound, resulting in the desired β-amino carbonyl product. The reaction is named after the German chemist Carl Mannich, who first described it in the early 20th century.