When benzaldehyde is heated with concentrated () aqueous (Cannizzaro reaction), which pair of products is formed?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Benzyl alcohol and sodium benzoate
- Step 1: Benzaldehyde () lacks -hydrogen atoms and cannot undergo aldol condensation.
- Step 2: When treated with concentrated strong alkali, it undergoes base-induced intermolecular redox disproportionation (Cannizzaro reaction).
- Step 3: One molecule of benzaldehyde is reduced to benzyl alcohol () while the second molecule is simultaneously oxidized to sodium benzoate ().
Answer
Benzyl alcohol and sodium benzoate.
Why not the others: Benzoic acid and benzyl chloride requires chlorination; Benzoin is formed by cyanide-catalyzed condensation of benzaldehyde (benzoin condensation); Cinnamic acid is formed by Perkin reaction with acetic anhydride.
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