The reaction of propanamide with bromine in aqueous potassium hydroxide (Br2/KOH(aq)) is an example of the Hofmann bromamide degradation reaction. This reaction is used to convert amides into primary amines with one fewer carbon atom. Let's break down the process step-by-step:
The reactant is propanamide, which has the structure: CH3CH2CONH2.
In the Hofmann bromamide degradation reaction, the amide (propanamide) reacts with bromine (Br2) and aqueous potassium hydroxide (KOH) to form an intermediate known as a bromoamide.
This intermediate undergoes rearrangement and hydrolysis to produce a primary amine. Since the reaction removes one carbon atom from the carbon chain, the amine formed will have one less carbon atom compared to the original amide.
Starting from propanamide (3 carbons), the reaction will yield ethylamine (2 carbons): CH3CH2NH2.
Based on this mechanism, the correct product is Ethylamine.
To justify why other options are incorrect:
Propylamine (CH3CH2CH2NH2) would require retaining all three carbon atoms from propanamide, which is not possible in the Hofmann degradation.
Ethylnitrile and Propanenitrile are nitriles, not amines. This reaction specifically yields a primary amine, not a nitrile.
Was this answer helpful?
0
Top Questions on introduction to organic chemistry
