Which of the following reactions is used to convert an amide into a primary amine with one carbon atom less?

Solution

1. Hofmann bromamide degradation involves the reaction of an amide with ${\text{Br}}_2$ and $\text{KOH}$.
2. The reaction results in the loss of the carbonyl carbon as ${\text{CO}}_2$ (as carbonate).
3. The resulting amine contains one carbon atom fewer than the starting amide.
4. Hence the answer is (A).