The following reaction is an example of

The correct answer is Option (1) → Cannizzaro reaction

Complete statement:

The given reaction is an example of the Cannizzaro reaction.

Reasoning:

Benzaldehyde (an aldehyde without an α-hydrogen atom) reacts with concentrated NaOH and undergoes disproportionation. In this process:

• One molecule of benzaldehyde is reduced to benzyl alcohol (–CH₂OH).
• Another molecule is oxidized to sodium benzoate (–COONa).

This simultaneous oxidation and reduction of the same aldehyde in a strong base is characteristic of the Cannizzaro reaction.

• Reactant: Benzaldehyde ($C_6H_5CHO$) is used. The carbon atom adjacent to the aldehyde group (the $\alpha$-carbon) is part of the benzene ring and has no attached hydrogens.
• Conditions: It reacts in the presence of a strong base, specifically Conc. NaOH, and heat ($\Delta$).
• Products: One molecule of benzaldehyde is reduced to an alcohol (Benzyl alcohol, $C_6H_5CH_2OH$), while the second molecule is oxidized to a carboxylic acid salt (Sodium benzoate, $C_6H_5COONa$).