Question

Which of the following statement is correct about Hoffmann’s bromamide degradation reaction?
(a) Alkyl amide do not react.
(b) Secondary amide do not form secondary amide.
(c) Ratio of NaOH and Br₂ is 4 : 2.
(d) Na₂CO₃, NaBr and H₂O also formed along with amine.

• A. b, c and d only
• B. a, b and c only
• C. b and d only
• D. a, b, c and d

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for correct statements regarding the Hoffmann bromamide degradation of amides to amines.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
The general reaction is:
$R-CO-NH_2 + Br_2 + 4NaOH \rightarrow R-NH_2 + Na_2CO_3 + 2NaBr + 2H_2O$
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
(a) Alkyl primary amides ($R-CO-NH_2$) are the typical substrates for this reaction. Statement (a) is incorrect.
(b) Secondary amides ($R-CO-NHR'$) cannot undergo this reaction because they cannot form the required $N$-bromoamide intermediate with a transferable proton. Statement (b) is correct.
(c) From the balanced equation, 4 moles of $NaOH$ react with 1 mole of $Br_2$. The ratio is 4:1. Statement (c) is incorrect.
(d) The by-products include sodium carbonate, sodium bromide, and water. Statement (d) is correct.

Since (b) and (d) are correct, option (3) is the right choice.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The correct statements are (b) and (d).