Question

The given reactant is benzene-1,2,4,5-tetracarbaldehyde. The reaction conditions are 50% KOH and heat (Δ).

Answer 1

Potassium 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)benzene-1,4-dicarboxylate

Answer 2

Benzene-1,2,4,5-tetracarbaldehyde, having no alpha-hydrogens, undergoes intramolecular Cannizzaro reaction with 50% KOH and heat. Two aldehyde groups are oxidized to potassium carboxylate (-COOK) and two are reduced to hydroxymethyl (-CH₂OH) groups. Due to symmetry, the product is potassium 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)benzene-1,4-dicarboxylate.