Question:medium

Benzaldehyde on treatment with concentrated NaOH undergoes Cannizzaro reaction to form:

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To quickly identify if an aldehyde undergoes the Cannizzaro reaction, check for the presence of $\alpha$-hydrogen atoms.
Aldehydes like formaldehyde (HCHO) and benzaldehyde ($\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{CHO}$) lack $\alpha$-hydrogen and will undergo Cannizzaro reaction, whereas acetaldehyde ($\text{CH}_3\text{CHO}$) contains $\alpha$-hydrogens and undergoes aldol condensation.
  • Benzyl alcohol and sodium benzoate
  • Benzoic acid and ethanol
  • Benzyl chloride and sodium benzoate
  • Benzene and sodium formate
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Cannizzaro reaction.
Benzaldehyde has no alpha-H; with conc. NaOH it undergoes disproportionation.
Step 2: Products.
One molecule oxidised to sodium benzoate; another reduced to benzyl alcohol.
Answer: Benzyl alcohol and sodium benzoate
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