Question

What happens when Formaldehyde reacts with concentrated Sodium hydroxide?

Answer 1

• The reaction mechanism between Formaldehyde ($\mathrm{HCHO}$) and concentrated Sodium hydroxide ($\mathrm{NaOH}$) is shown below: $2\mathrm{HCHO}+\mathrm{NaOH}\to \mathrm{HCOONa}+{\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{OH}$
• There is a formation of Sodium formate ($\mathrm{HCOONa}$) and Methanol (${\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{OH}$).
• This type of reaction comes under Cannizaro's reaction in which there is an absence of alpha hydrogen in the aldehyde group and the formation of alcohol and salt takes place.