An imine is a compound that has the following general structural formula.

R¹, R², and R³ could be hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups, aryl groups, or any combination thereof.

eg:

If, in an imine molecule, the ligand on the nitrogen atom is an alkyl or aryl group, the imine is also called a Schiff’s base.

eg:

The carbon-nitrogen double bond in an imine molecule is called the imine group.