In the following reaction, 'B' is:

- A

- B

- C

- D

In the following reaction, 'B' is:





Correct answer:D
Standard Method
Given: The compound is treated with under .
Find: The structure of product B.
The reaction given involves the treatment of the compound with bromine and sodium hydroxide under heat. This is a classic example of the Hofmann Bromamide Degradation Reaction.
In this reaction, the amide group undergoes degradation to form a primary amine with loss of one carbon atom from the amide carbonyl carbon.
The ester group remains intact during this reaction because it does not participate in the Hofmann bromamide degradation.
Therefore, the major product is the cyclohexanone derivative in which the group is replaced by while the group remains unchanged. Hence, the correct option is D.
Reaction Insight
Given: Reagent set .
Find: Which option matches the product formed.
Identify the principle: Hofmann bromamide reaction converts an amide into a primary amine having one carbon less than the parent amide.
Apply to the substrate:
Conclude: The product must be the structure consistent with amide-to-amine conversion without disturbing the ester group. Thus, the correct option is D.
Mistake: Treating as a reagent that attacks the ester group first. Why it is wrong: the reaction conditions here are characteristic of Hofmann bromamide degradation, which acts on the amide functionality. What to do instead: identify the group as the reacting group before checking the rest of the molecule.
Mistake: Forgetting that Hofmann bromamide degradation gives an amine with one carbon less. Why it is wrong: the carbonyl carbon of the amide is lost during rearrangement. What to do instead: convert to after accounting for the loss of the amide carbonyl carbon.
Mistake: Assuming all functional groups change under strongly basic conditions. Why it is wrong: the solution explicitly indicates that the ester group remains intact in this reaction. What to do instead: change only the amide-derived portion and preserve the ester group while matching the final structure.
Get unlimited AI-adaptive practice, mastery tracking, and an AI tutor that explains every step — free to start.