What happens when two molecules of formaldehyde reacts in the presence of sodium hydroxide?

sodium formate + Methanol

The correct answer is option 1. sodium formate + Methanol.

When two molecules of formaldehyde \((HCHO)\) react in the presence of sodium hydroxide \((NaOH)\), the reaction that occurs is known as the Cannizzaro reaction. In this reaction, one molecule of formaldehyde is reduced to methanol \((CH_3OH)\) and the other is oxidized to formate ion \((HCOO^-)\), which in the presence of sodium hydroxide forms sodium formate \((HCOONa)\).

Reaction:

Explanation:

Formaldehyde (HCHO): Two molecules of formaldehyde are involved.

Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH): Acts as a base to facilitate the reaction.

Products: One molecule of formaldehyde is oxidized to sodium formate (HCOONa), and the other is reduced to methanol (CH₃OH).

Thus, the correct answer is: Sodium formate + Methanol