Question:
Which compound undergoes Cannizzaro reaction: Formaldehyde, Acetaldehyde, or Benzophenone?
Which compound undergoes Cannizzaro reaction: Formaldehyde, Acetaldehyde, or Benzophenone?
Show Hint
Cannizzaro reaction occurs only in aldehydes without \(\alpha\)-hydrogen atoms.
Examples include formaldehyde and benzaldehyde.
Updated On: Apr 29, 2026
- Formaldehyde
- Acetaldehyde
- Benzophenone
- Both (A) and (B)
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Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Concept:
The Cannizzaro reaction occurs in aldehydes that do not possess an \(\alpha\)-hydrogen atom.
In this reaction, two molecules of the aldehyde undergo disproportionation in the presence of a strong base to form an alcohol and a carboxylate salt.
Step 1: Identify the condition for Cannizzaro reaction. Aldehydes lacking an \(\alpha\)-hydrogen atom undergo the Cannizzaro reaction.
Step 2: Examine each compound. Formaldehyde \((HCHO)\) has no \(\alpha\)-hydrogen because there is no carbon adjacent to the carbonyl carbon. Acetaldehyde \((CH_3CHO)\) contains \(\alpha\)-hydrogen atoms. Benzophenone is a ketone and does not undergo Cannizzaro reaction.
Step 3: Determine the correct compound. Thus, only formaldehyde undergoes the Cannizzaro reaction.
Step 1: Identify the condition for Cannizzaro reaction. Aldehydes lacking an \(\alpha\)-hydrogen atom undergo the Cannizzaro reaction.
Step 2: Examine each compound. Formaldehyde \((HCHO)\) has no \(\alpha\)-hydrogen because there is no carbon adjacent to the carbonyl carbon. Acetaldehyde \((CH_3CHO)\) contains \(\alpha\)-hydrogen atoms. Benzophenone is a ketone and does not undergo Cannizzaro reaction.
Step 3: Determine the correct compound. Thus, only formaldehyde undergoes the Cannizzaro reaction.
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