Phenethylamine via Leuckart

[psycosmo]

Anybody see any reason why phenethylamine couldnt by made from phenylacetealdeyde use the Leukart Reaction with formamide and formic acid?

[Rhodium]

Phenylacetaldehyde polymerizes easily, and the Leuckart reaction involves high temperatures and harsh reaction conditions, so it is very possible that the yield from such a reaction wouldn't be especially appealing.