Which of the following undergoes a reaction with sodium hydroxide solution to give the corresponding alcohol and acid?
- APhenol
- BBenzoic acid
- CButanal
- DBenzaldehyde
Solution & Step-by-step Explanation
This is the Cannizzaro's reaction, which occurs for aldehydes that do not have an -hydrogen.Benzaldehyde () has no -hydrogen.When treated with concentrated , it undergoes self-oxidation and reduction (disproportionation) to form benzyl alcohol and sodium benzoate.Butanal has -hydrogens and undergoes aldol condensation.