The preparation of triacetoneamine (1) by the condensation of acetone with ammonia in the presence of calcium chloride at room temperature is investigated. In addition to 1, acetonin (8), diacetone alcohol (4), mesityl oxide, and diacetoneamine (7) are formed during the reaction. The progress of the reaction is monitored by gas chromatography. The effects of the extent and the rate of stirring, the amount of ammonia introduced on the critical first day of the reaction, and the mesh size and the amount of calcium chloride on the purity and weight yield of 1 are studied. The yield of 1 is maximized by recovery of the unreacted acetone. The reaction at room temperature under optimized conditions is described.