Question

Cross Cannizzaro of formaldehyde and benzaldehyde give a mixture of:

• A. Benzyl alcohol and sodium formate
• B. Benzyl alcohol and formic acid
• C. Benzaldehyde and sodium acetate
• D. Benzaldehyde and sodium formate

Hint:

The Cannizzaro reaction is typical for aldehydes that do not have an alpha hydrogen and cannot undergo aldol condensation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: The Cannizzaro reaction involves the disproportionation of non-enolizable aldehydes in the presence of a strong base. Formaldehyde undergoes reduction, and benzaldehyde undergoes oxidation to form a mixture of products. In this case, the products are benzyl alcohol and sodium formate.

Conclusion: The correct answer is benzyl alcohol and sodium formate.