Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Chemistry

Chapter

Organic: Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids

Question:

Read the passage carefully and answer the following questions.

Aldehydes, carboxylic acids and ketones are widespread in the animal and plant kingdoms. They play a pivotal role in various biochemical processes of life. Their presence in nature adds fragrance and flavor. These compounds are widely used in food products, pharmaceuticals, paints, resins and other important product industries. These compounds are prepared by various laboratory methods, which mainly include oxidation, formylation, acylation and reduction. Due to the polar nature of the carbonyl group in aldehydes and ketones, they can exhibit different reactions like nucleophilic addition. They do exhibit redox and various condensation reactions which lead to the formation of various important compounds. On the other hand, the carboxylic acids are mainly prepared by oxidation and hydrolysis of different compounds. The carboxylic acid consists of a carbonyl group and the hydroxy group (attached to the carbonyl carbon atom). This makes it possible for the carboxylic acid to participate in various chemical reactions which involve cleavage of the C-OH bond and the O-H bond along with the reactions involving the complete -COOH group.

Identify the incorrect statement for Cannizaro reaction.

Options:

The reaction involves self oxidation and reduction

It is given by aldehydes which lack alpha hydrogens

It is carried out in presence of concentrated alkali

Dilute sodium hydroxide is used as a catalyst

Correct Answer:

Dilute sodium hydroxide is used as a catalyst

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (4) → Dilute sodium hydroxide is used as a catalyst


Dilute sodium hydroxide is used as a catalyst — this is incorrect for Cannizzaro reaction.


Cannizzaro reaction is a disproportionation reaction where one molecule of aldehyde is oxidised to carboxylic acid and another is reduced to alcohol → self-oxidation and self-reduction 
• It is shown by aldehydes that do not have α-hydrogen 
• The reaction requires strong / concentrated alkali like concentrated NaOH or KOH 
Dilute NaOH is not sufficient to carry out Cannizzaro reaction