Question

If formaldehyde and KOH are heated then we get

• A. Acetylene
• B. Methane
• C. Methyl alcohol
• D. Ethyl formate

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Methyl alcohol

Answer 2

When $\alpha$-hydrogen is absent in carbonyl group, those compound gives cannizaro reaction. This reaction show disproportionation. The oxidation product is salt of carboxylic acid and reduced product is alcohol. $HCHO+HCHO\xrightarrow{KOH(conc.)}\, \, \, \, CH_3OH _{}^{Methyl\, alcohol} + HCOO^- K^ +$