RCONH2 + Br2 + 4NaOH -> RNH2 + Na2CO3 + 2NaBr + 2H2O. The amide loses one carbon (the carbonyl C) to become a primary amine. Mechanism: (1) N-bromination of amide. (2) Base removes NH proton -> nitrene intermediate. (3) 1,2-alkyl shift (R migrates from C to N). (4) Isocyanate hydrolysis -> RNH2 + CO2. This is a rearrangement (not simple degradation) because the R group migrates. Key features: only gives 1° amines; the migrating group retains its configuration (stereospecific); works for both aliphatic and aromatic amides (acetamide -> methylamine, benzamide -> aniline).