In a Crossed Cannizzaro reaction strictly between Formaldehyde () and Benzaldehyde () using concentr — Aldehydes Ketones and Carboxylic Acids Chemistry Question
Question
In a Crossed Cannizzaro reaction strictly between Formaldehyde ($HCHO$) and Benzaldehyde ($PhCHO$) using concentrated $NaOH$, what are the primary organic products?
Answer: A
💡 Solution & Explanation
Formaldehyde lacks steric hindrance and is always attacked by $OH^-$ first. It exclusively undergoes oxidation to sodium formate, forcing the bulkier benzaldehyde to accept the hydride and be reduced to benzyl alcohol.
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