MHT CET202611 April 2026Morning ShiftChemistryAldehydes and KetonesActual
Which of the following reactions is an example of a disproportionation reaction?
Options
- AWolf-Kishner reduction.
- BAldol condensation.
- CClemmenson reduction.
- DCannizzaro reaction.
Correct answer
D. Cannizzaro reaction.
Step-by-step solution
A disproportionation reaction is a redox reaction in which the same substance undergoes both oxidation and reduction simultaneously. In the Cannizzaro reaction, aldehydes lacking -hydrogens undergo self-oxidation and self-reduction in the presence of a concentrated base. One molecule of the aldehyde is reduced to the corresponding alcohol, while another molecule is oxidized to the salt of the corresponding carboxylic acid. For example: 2HCHO + NaOH HCOONa + CH₃OH Here, formaldehyde is oxidized to sodium formate and