Question

Benzaldehyde reacts with formaldehyde in the presence of alkali to form :

• A. methyl alcohol and sodium benzoate
• B. benzyl alcohol and sodium formate
• C. benzoic acid and ethanol
• D. formic acid and benzyl alcohol

Answer 1

The correct option is B benzyl alcohol and sodium formate

Benzaldehyde reacts with formaldehyde in the presence of alkali to form Benzyl alcohol and sodium formate.
This is an example of crossed cannizaro reaction. Benzaldehyde gives this reaction as it is not having alpha hydrogen atom. Benzaldehyde is reduced to benzyl alcohol and formaldehyde is oxidized to sodium formate.