Hoffmann Bromamide Degradation

Rarely Tested

$$\text{R-CONH}_2 + \text{Br}_2 + 4\text{NaOH} \longrightarrow \text{R-NH}_2 + \text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3 + 2\text{NaBr} + 2\text{H}_2\text{O}$$


Concept: The step-down molecular degradation of a primary amide into a primary amine containing exactly one less carbon atom than the starting material. The mechanism features a critical rate-determining intramolecular rearrangement step.

Notation:

  • ($$\text{R-N=C=O}$$) = Alkyl isocyanate intermediate; Decreases the parent carbon chain length by exactly one carbon atom.
Question 1

Match the major products obtained in the reactions given in List-I with the corresponding structures in List-II and choose the correct option.

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