Question:

Explain the following : Hoffmann's bromamide degradation reaction

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Use this reaction whenever you need to "chop off" one carbon from the chain during conversions.
Updated On: Jul 22, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Concept
Step-down conversion of primary amides to primary amines.

Step 2: Meaning
The reaction removes the carbonyl carbon ($\gt C=O$) entirely from the amide chain.

Step 3: Analysis
Treating an amide with bromine in an aqueous or ethanolic solution of sodium hydroxide results in the degradation of the amide. The product is a primary amine containing one carbon less than the starting material.

Final Answer: Hoffmann bromamide degradation: An amide reacts with bromine and aqueous sodium hydroxide to form a primary amine that has one carbon atom less than the original parent amide. $R-CONH_2 + Br_2 + 4NaOH \rightarrow R-NH_2 + Na_2CO_3 + 2NaBr + 2H_2O$
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