What is "hemiaminal"

n. (context organic chemistry English) Any organic compound having both an amino and a hydroxy functional group attached to the same carbon atom; they are synthesized by reacting ammonia or an amine with an aldehyde or ketone.

A hemiaminal (also carbinolamine) is a functional group or type of chemical compound that has a hydroxyl group and an amine attached to the same carbon atom: -C(OH)(NR)-. R can be hydrogen or an alkyl group. Hemiaminals are intermediates in imine formation from an amine and a carbonyl by alkylimino-de-oxo-bisubstitution.