Consider the following sequence of reactions: Identify the major organic product 'R' formed in the final step.

Step-by-step solution

Reaction of benzyl bromide with alcoholic KCN results in nucleophilic substitution, replacing the bromide ion with a cyanide ion to form benzyl cyanide (P). C₆H₅CH₂Br KCN (alc.), C₆H₅CH₂CN (P) Partial hydrolysis of benzyl cyanide (P) using alkaline hydrogen peroxide ( H ₂ O ₂ / OH ^- ) yields 2-phenylacetamide (Q). C₆H₅CH₂CN H ₂ O ₂ / OH ^- C₆H₅CH₂CONH₂ (Q) 2-phenylacetamide (Q) undergoes Hofmann bromamide degradation upon treatment with Br ₂ / KOH , resulting in the loss of the carbonyl carbon and formation of a p