Question

Identify the product of following reaction.
\(\text{Formaldehyde} + \text{Benzaldehyde} \xrightarrow[\text{H}_3\text{O}^+]{\text{conc. NaOH}} \text{product}\)

• A. Phenyl methanol and methanol
• B. Methanol and benzoic acid
• C. Methanoic acid and phenyl methanol
• D. Methanoic acid and benzoic acid

Hint:

Cannizzaro: aldehyde → alcohol + acid simultaneously.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept:
This is a Cannizzaro reaction, shown by aldehydes without \(\alpha\)-hydrogen. Step 1: Check reactants.

• Formaldehyde → no \(\alpha\)-H
• Benzaldehyde → no \(\alpha\)-H

Step 2: Reaction mechanism. One molecule is oxidized, another is reduced: \[ \text{HCHO} \rightarrow \text{HCOOH} \quad (\text{oxidation}) \] \[ \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{CHO} \rightarrow \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{CH}_2\text{OH} \quad (\text{reduction}) \]
Step 3: Identify products. \[ \text{Methanoic acid + Benzyl alcohol} \]
Step 4: Conclusion. Answer = (C)