Question:

Benzaldehyde is converted to benzyl alcohol by

Show Hint

Benzaldehyde has no alpha hydrogen, so with concentrated alkali it undergoes disproportionation.
Updated On: Nov 12, 2026
  • Wurtz reaction
  • Fittig reaction
  • Wurtz Fittig reaction
  • Cannizzaro's reaction
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
Aldehydes without alpha hydrogen undergo the Cannizzaro reaction with concentrated alkali. One molecule is oxidised and another is reduced.

Step 2: Reaction
\(2\text{C}_{6}\text{H}_{5}\text{CHO}+\text{NaOH}\rightarrow\text{C}_{6}\text{H}_{5}\text{CH}_{2}\text{OH}+\text{C}_{6}\text{H}_{5}\text{COONa}\). Benzyl alcohol is the reduced product.

Step 3: Why the other options fail
Wurtz, Fittig and Wurtz-Fittig reactions couple alkyl or aryl halides with sodium and do not involve aldehydes.

Final Answer:
Benzaldehyde gives benzyl alcohol by Cannizzaro's reaction. \[ \boxed{\text{(D) }\text{Cannizzaro's reaction}} \]
Was this answer helpful?
0
0