Step 1: Understanding Hoffmann Bromamide Degradation
Hoffmann bromamide degradation converts an amide (\( \text{CONH}_2 \)) into a primary amine (\( \text{NH}_2 \)), losing one carbon atom.
Step 2: Reaction Mechanism
In the presence of bromine (\( \text{Br}_2 \)) and sodium hydroxide (\( \text{NaOH} \)), this reaction yields an amine with one fewer carbon atom.
Step 3: Identifying the Correct Functional Group
The appropriate starting material for this reaction is an amide (\( \text{ArCONH}_2 \)), thus option (b) ArCONH\(_2\) is the correct selection.Final Answer: The Hoffmann bromamide degradation reaction is represented by ArCONH\(_2\).