What is the end product of Hofmann bromamide degradation reaction?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Primary amine
In the Hofmann bromamide degradation, the carbonyl carbon of the amide is lost as carbonate, so the amine has one carbon atom fewer than the amide:
\( \displaystyle \ce{R-CONH2 + Br2 + 4NaOH -> R-NH2 + Na2CO3 + 2NaBr + 2H2O} \)
For example, ethanamide (\( \ce{CH3CONH2} \)) gives methanamine (\( \ce{CH3NH2} \)).
Only one group (R) is attached to the nitrogen in the product, and the nitrogen keeps two hydrogen atoms. So the end product is always a primary amine.
NCERT (2026-27 edition):
Hofmann Bromamide Degradation Reaction
