Hofmann degradation

Hofmann degradation is a chemical reaction that transforms a primary amide (a compound derived from ammonia) into a primary amine with one fewer carbon atom. This process involves treating the amide with bromine and a strong base, which causes the removal of the carbon atom attached to the nitrogen. It is commonly used in organic chemistry to modify molecules by shortening their carbon chain, enabling chemists to synthesize specific amines needed for pharmaceuticals, dyes, and other materials.