Question

Mixture of $PhCHO$ & $HCHO$ is treated with $NaOH$ then cannizzaro reaction involves:

• A. Oxidation of $HCHO$
• B. Reduction of $PhCHO$
• C. Oxidation of $PhCHO$
• D. Reduction of $HCHO$

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B)

The correct options are
A Oxidation of $HCHO$
B Reduction of $PhCHO$

Mixture of benzaldehyde $\left(PhCHO\right)$ & formaldehyde $\left(HCHO\right)$ is treated with $NaOH$ results in a Cannizzaro reaction leading to oxidation of $HCHO$ to formic acid $\left(HCOOH\right)$ and reduction of $PhCHO$ to benzyl alcohol $\left(PhC{H}_{2}OH\right)$