Question
Chemistry Question on Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids
m–chlorobenzaldehyde on treatment with 50% KOH solution yields
Solution
Solution: When m -chlorobenzaldehyde is treated with 50% KOH solution, it undergoes a reaction known as the Cannizzaro reaction, which occurs in aldehydes that do not have alpha hydrogens.
Cannizzaro Reaction: In the Cannizzaro reaction, an aldehyde is converted into a carboxylic acid and an alcohol in the presence of a strong base, like KOH. The reaction mechanism involves the disproportionation of the aldehyde, leading to the formation of the corresponding carboxylate and alcohol.
Reaction Process: For m -chlorobenzaldehyde, the reaction can be summarized as follows:
2 m -chlorobenzaldehyde + 50% KOH -> m -chlorobenzoate + m -chlorobenzyl alcohol.
Final Products: The final products of the reaction are m -chlorobenzoate ion and m -chlorobenzyl alcohol.
Thus, the correct product obtained from the reaction is: chlorobenzoate and m -chlorobenzyl alcohol.