In Hoffmann bromamide reaction, the carbonyl group is lost as ............

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Reaction**: The Hofmann bromamide reaction involves the conversion of an amide into a primary amine with the loss of one carbon atom. The general structure of the amide is R-C(=O)-NH2.

2. **Reactants**: The reaction typically uses bromine (Br2) and a strong base such as potassium hydroxide (KOH).

3. **Mechanism Initiation**: The base (KOH) abstracts a proton from the amide nitrogen, leading to the formation of a negatively charged nitrogen species. This step is crucial as it activates the nitrogen for subsequent reactions.

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