Question

Cannizzaro's reaction is followed by those aldehydes which ______ $\alpha$-hydrogen atom.

• A. have
• B. do not have
• C. have $\alpha$ hydroxy group with
• D. have $\alpha$ halogen with

Answer 1

The correct option is B do not have

The Cannizzaro reaction is a chemical reaction that involves the base-induced disproportionation of an aldehyde lacking a hydrogen atom in the alpha position.

The reaction involves a nucleophilic acyl substitution on an aldehyde, with the leaving group concurrently attacking another aldehyde in the second step.

First, hydroxide attacks a carbonyl. The resulting tetrahedral intermediate then collapses, re-forming the carbonyl and transferring hydride to attack another carbonyl.

Hence the correct option is B.