Hofmann Rearrangement and Curtius Reaction Mechanism - Primary Amides & Acid Chlorides to Amines 

This organic chemistry video tutorial provides the mechanism of the hofmann and curtius rearrangement reaction in which a primary amide and an acid chloride is converted to a primary amine. The reactions each passes through an isocyanate intermediate, a carbamic acid and undergoes decarboxylation to produce the amine. The Hofmann rearrangement converts a primary amide to an amine using a Halogen such as Br2 or Cl2 with OH- and H2O. The curtius rearrangement reaction converts an acid chloride into an amine using sodium azide or NaN3 with H2O and heat.