Question

An unknown aldehyde ${}^{\prime }{A}^{\prime }$ on reacting with alkali gives a $\beta$- hydroxy aldehyde, which loses water to form an unsaturated aldehyde, $2-$ butanal. Another aldehyde ${}^{\prime }{B}^{\prime }$ undergoes disproportionation reaction in the presence of conc. alkali to form products $C$ and $D.C$ is an arylalcohol with the formula, $C_7{H}_{8}O$.
Identify $A$ and $B$.

Answer 1

$A$ is $C{H}_{3}CHO$ ( ethanal) and $B$ is $C_6{H}_{8}CHO$ ( benzaldehyde).