In the Schmidt reaction, a carboxylic acid is converted into a primary amine with the loss of carbon — Amines Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

The Schmidt reaction involves treating a carboxylic acid ($RCOOH$) with hydrazoic acid ($N_3H$) in the presence of concentrated $H_2SO_4$. The reaction proceeds via an intermediate acyl azide that undergoes a Curtius-type rearrangement to an alkyl isocyanate, which then hydrolyzes to yield a primary amine ($RNH_2$), $CO_2$, and $N_2$ gas.