Question
Which of the following undergoes reaction with 50% sodium hydroxide solution to give the corresponding alcohol and acid?
-
Phenol
-
Benzoic acid
-
Butanal
-
Benzaldehyde
Solution
D.
Benzaldehyde
A + NaOH → alcohol + acid
Thus, it is Cannizzaro reaction
A is thus aldehyde without H at alpha - carbon
(as C6H5CHO.HCHO)
2C6H5CHO + NaOH → C6H5CH2OH + C6H5COONa