The product (Y) in the following reaction is

$C_6H_5CH_2OH$

The correct answer is Option (4) → $C_6H_5CH_2OH$

The given reaction is:

Identification of the reaction

Benzaldehyde (C₆H₅CHO) has no α-hydrogen, so in the presence of concentrated NaOH it undergoes the Cannizzaro reaction.

In this reaction:

• One molecule of aldehyde is oxidised to carboxylate ion
• Another molecule is reduced to alcohol

Products

• Oxidation product: Sodium benzoate (C₆H₅COONa)
• Reduction product (Y): Benzyl alcohol (C₆H₅CH₂OH)

Final Answer:

Y = Benzyl alcohol (C₆H₅CH₂OH)