Identify the products of following reaction? Formaldehyde + Benzaldehyde [ ii) H ₃ O ⁺] i) conc. NaOH Products

Step-by-step solution

Crossed Cannizzaro Reaction of Formaldehyde and Benzaldehyde Formaldehyde ( HCHO ) and benzaldehyde ( C₆ H₅CHO ) are both aldehydes lacking alpha-hydrogens, qualifying them for the Cannizzaro reaction. In crossed Cannizzaro reactions, formaldehyde is preferentially oxidized due to its greater reactivity, while the partner aldehyde is reduced. Concentrated NaOH initiates hydride transfer: formaldehyde is oxidized to formate ion ( HCOO^- ), which upon acidification yields methanoic acid ( HCOOH ). Benzaldehyde is red