The conversion of acetamide ($CH_3CONH_2$) to methylamine ($CH_3NH_2$) involves the loss of one carbon atom (the carbonyl carbon). This transformation is achieved via the Hoffmann bromamide degradation reaction. The reagents used for this reaction are bromine ($Br_2$) in an aqueous or ethanolic solution of sodium hydroxide ($NaOH$) or potassium hydroxide ($KOH$).

The overall chemical equation is: $CH_3CONH_2 + Br_2 + 4NaOH \rightarrow CH_3NH_2 + Na_2CO_3 + 2NaBr + 2H_2O$