However, TLC analysis showed incomplete conversion of 13 within 3 h, thus the reaction was continued for 24 h while monitoring progress at intervals of 2 h to afford the Mannich base (14) in a moderate yield of 60%. With the intention of reducing the reaction time, the reaction was repeated in methanol and 32% HCl, however, within 7 h, TLC analysis showed the formation of unidentifiable impurities. The following attempts ran the Mannich reaction in acetic acid at varying temperatures from 50 °C to 80 °C for 5-24 h. The reaction proceeded well at lower temperature but, slowly. As the reaction temperature was increased, more impurities, which were attributed to the double-Mannich reaction, were formed instead. The reaction was then attempted in ethanol at 78 °C, which, within 15 h had proceeded poorly.