What is the product obtained when ethanamide (CH3CONH2) undergoes the Hoffmann bromamide degradation reaction with bromine and aqueous potassium hydroxide?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Methanamine (CH3NH2)
- Step 1: The Hoffmann bromamide degradation converts a primary carboxamide into a primary amine possessing exactly one carbon atom less than the starting amide.
- Step 2: The balanced equation is: .
- Step 3: For ethanamide (, a 2-carbon amide), the carbonyl carbon is lost as potassium carbonate ().
- Step 4: The resulting amine is the 1-carbon primary amine methanamine ().
Answer
Methanamine (CH3NH2)
Why not the others: 'Ethanamine' retains both carbons, which would mean zero carbon loss (contrary to Hoffmann degradation); 'Propanenitrile' has three carbons and is an oxidation product; 'Nitromethane' contains a nitro group instead of an amine.
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