Fundamentals of Organic ChemistryChemistryAldehydes and Ketones
The reaction shown below is an example of:
Options
- AIntramolecular Cannizzaro reaction
- BIntermolecular Cannizzaro reaction
- CTischenko reaction
- DCrossed Cannizzaro reaction
Correct answer
B. Intermolecular Cannizzaro reaction
Step-by-step solution
The given reactant is glyoxylic acid ( CHO-COOH ), which is an aldehyde lacking -hydrogen atoms. When treated with a base ( OH ^- ), aldehydes without -hydrogens undergo a disproportionation reaction known as the Cannizzaro reaction. In this process, one molecule of the aldehyde is oxidized to a carboxylic acid (or carboxylate ion in basic medium), and another molecule is reduced to an alcohol. In the given reaction: 1. One molecule of glyoxylic acid is oxidized to form the oxalate ion ( COO ^- -COO ^- ). 2. The se