The product (Y) in the following reaction is
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
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)