Answer: Primary amine with one less carbon.
- A Primary amine with one less carbon
- B Carboxylic acid via hydrolysis of the amide bond
- C Nitrile via dehydration of the amide
- D Secondary amine via N-alkylation of the amide nitrogen
Correct answer: A. Primary amine with one less carbon
Explanation: Hofmann degradation (amide + Br<sub>2</sub>/NaOH) gives a primary amine with one fewer carbon than the original amide.
In aniline, the nitrogen's lone pair is pulled into the benzene ring through resonance, leaving less electron density available to accept a proton - which is why aniline is a much weaker base than methylamine, where the lone pair is fully available.
Concept context
Nitrogen-containing organic compounds. Covers classification (primary, secondary, tertiary), basicity comparison, preparation methods, and reactions including diazotization and coupling, key for understanding dyes and pharmaceuticals.