Question

Benzyl alcohol and sodium benzoate is obtained by the action of sodium hydroxide on benzaldehyde. This reaction is known as

• A. Perkin’s reaction
• B. Cannizzaro’s reaction
• C. Sandmeyer’s reaction
• D. Claisen condensation

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Cannizzaro’s reaction

Answer 2

Benzaldehyde on treatment with 50% aqueous or ethanolic alkali solution undergoes Cannizzaro’s reaction like $\alpha$-hydrogen atom) i.e., one molecule is oxidised and one is reduced with the formation of benzoic acid and benzyl alcohol respectively.