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MHT CET Chemistry Aldehydes and Ketones 2026 MHT CET 2026 (11 April Shift 1)

MHT CET Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution

Question

Which of the following reactions is an example of a disproportionation reaction?

Options

  1. A. Wolf-Kishner reduction.
  2. B. Aldol condensation.
  3. C. Clemmenson reduction.
  4. D. Cannizzaro reaction.

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 + CH_3OH Here, formaldehyde is oxidized to sodium formate and reduced to methanol. Thus, the Cannizzaro reaction is an example of a disproportionation reaction. Wolf-Kishner and Clemmensen reductions are purely reduction reactions, whereas Aldol condensation is a condensation reaction. Answer: Cannizzaro reaction.

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