Question:

Which of the following does not undergo Cannizzaro reaction?

Show Hint

The Cannizzaro reaction is specific to aldehydes without \(\alpha\)-hydrogens. Aldehydes with \(\alpha\)-hydrogens typically undergo aldol reactions instead.
Updated On: Apr 28, 2026
  • \((CH_3)_3CCHO\)
  • \(C_6H_5CHO\)
  • \(C_6H_5COC_6H_5\)
  • \(CH_3CHO\)
  • \(HCHO\)
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understand Cannizzaro Reaction.
The Cannizzaro reaction is a redox reaction in which two molecules of non-enolizable aldehydes (those without an \(\alpha\)-hydrogen) react in the presence of a strong base to form an alcohol and a carboxylate salt. Typically, this reaction occurs between two molecules of aldehydes without \(\alpha\)-hydrogens.

Step 2: Identify aldehydes that undergo Cannizzaro reaction.

- \(CH_3CHO\) (acetaldehyde) has an \(\alpha\)-hydrogen and thus can undergo aldol condensation but not Cannizzaro reaction. So, \(CH_3CHO\) does not undergo the Cannizzaro reaction. - \(HCHO\) (formaldehyde) and other aldehydes like \(C_6H_5CHO\) (benzaldehyde) undergo the Cannizzaro reaction because they do not have \(\alpha\)-hydrogens.

Step 3: Analyze each option.

- \((CH_3)_3CCHO\) (acetone) does not have \(\alpha\)-hydrogens, but this molecule would not typically undergo Cannizzaro reaction because it is a ketone and not an aldehyde. However, this is a misleading point in some contexts because the reaction described is for aldehydes. - \(C_6H_5CHO\) (benzaldehyde) can undergo Cannizzaro reaction as it is non-enolizable. - \(C_6H_5COC_6H_5\) (benzophenone) is a ketone and does not undergo Cannizzaro reaction directly. But it is again not part of aldehyde reactions. - \(CH_3CHO\) (acetaldehyde) has \(\alpha\)-hydrogens and cannot undergo Cannizzaro, as it undergoes other reactions like aldol condensations. Hence, option \((4)\) is correct.

Step 4: Conclude.

Since acetaldehyde (\(CH_3CHO\)) has \(\alpha\)-hydrogens, it does not undergo Cannizzaro reaction. Thus, the correct answer is option \((4)\).

Step 5: Final Answer.

Hence, the correct answer is:
\[ \boxed{CH_3CHO} \] which matches option \((4)\).
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