Question

What will be the product/s if benzal chloride is heated with a concentrated aqueous $KOH$ solution?

• A. Benzaldehyde
• B. Benzoic acid
• C. Benzyl alcohol and sodium benzoate
• D. An aldol

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

An aldol

Answer 2

Thus, benzaldehyde is obtained when benzal chloride is heated with concentrated aqueous solution of $KOH$
The obtained aldehyde because of the absence of $\alpha$-hydrogen atom further reacts with concentrated aqueous $KOH$ solution to give benzyl alcohol and potassium benzoate, i.e., it undergoes Cannizzaro reaction