Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question requires us to identify which of the three given organic compounds is a suitable substrate for the Cannizzaro reaction.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
The primary condition for a compound to undergo the Cannizzaro reaction is that it must be an aldehyde that lacks alpha-hydrogen atoms. The \(\alpha\)-hydrogen is a hydrogen atom attached to the \(\alpha\)-carbon, which is the carbon atom immediately adjacent to the carbonyl (\(C=O\)) group. The reaction involves disproportionation (self-oxidation and reduction) in the presence of a strong base.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze each compound:
1. \( \text{CH}_3\text{CHO} \) (Acetaldehyde):
The carbonyl carbon is part of the \(-\text{CHO}\) group. The adjacent carbon is the \(\alpha\)-carbon, which is the \(-\text{CH}_3\) group. This carbon has three hydrogen atoms attached. Since it possesses \(\alpha\)-hydrogens, it will undergo an aldol condensation, not a Cannizzaro reaction.
2. \( \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{CHO} \) (Benzaldehyde):
This is an aldehyde. The carbonyl group \(-\text{CHO}\) is attached to a carbon atom of the benzene ring. This ring carbon is the \(\alpha\)-carbon. It is bonded to two other carbons in the ring and to the carbonyl carbon, so it has no hydrogen atoms attached to it. Since it lacks \(\alpha\)-hydrogens, it will undergo the Cannizzaro reaction.
3. \( \text{CH}_3\text{COCH}_3 \) (Acetone):
This is a ketone, not an aldehyde. The Cannizzaro reaction is characteristic of aldehydes. Furthermore, the two \(\alpha\)-carbons (\(-\text{CH}_3\) groups) both have \(\alpha\)-hydrogens.
Step 4: Final Answer:
Only benzaldehyde (\( \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{CHO} \)) fulfills the condition of being an aldehyde with no \(\alpha\)-hydrogen atoms.