Question:

Which of the following compound is formed during Perkin's reaction?

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Perkin reaction: Aromatic aldehyde + Acid anhydride \(\rightarrow\) \(\alpha,\beta\)-unsaturated acid (e.g., cinnamic acid).
Updated On: Apr 16, 2026
  • Resorcinol
  • Cinnamic acid
  • Benzaldehyde
  • Benzoin
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Concept: The Perkin reaction is a condensation reaction between an aromatic aldehyde and an acid anhydride (containing at least two \(\alpha\)-hydrogen atoms) in the presence of a sodium salt of the corresponding acid (e.g., sodium acetate). It produces an \(\alpha,\beta\)-unsaturated aromatic acid.

Step 1:
General reaction. \[ \text{ArCHO} + (RCH_2CO)_2O \xrightarrow{RCH_2COONa} \text{ArCH}=C(R)COOH + RCH_2COOH \] Typically, benzaldehyde (\(C_6H_5CHO\)) reacts with acetic anhydride (\((CH_3CO)_2O\)) in the presence of sodium acetate to form cinnamic acid (\(C_6H_5CH=CHCOOH\)) and acetic acid.

Step 2:
Product identification. The product is an \(\alpha,\beta\)-unsaturated aromatic carboxylic acid. In the classic Perkin reaction: \[ C_6H_5CHO + (CH_3CO)_2O \xrightarrow{CH_3COONa} C_6H_5CH=CHCOOH \] \[ \text{Benzaldehyde} + \text{Acetic anhydride} \rightarrow \text{Cinnamic acid} \]

Step 3:
Why not other options?
(A) Resorcinol — is a dihydroxybenzene (\(C_6H_4(OH)_2\)), formed by other reactions (e.g., fusion of benzene disulfonic acid with alkali), not by Perkin reaction.
(B) Cinnamic acid — correct product of Perkin reaction.
(C) Benzaldehyde — is a starting material (reactant), not a product.
(D) Benzoin — is formed by benzoin condensation (two molecules of benzaldehyde with cyanide catalyst), not by Perkin reaction.
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