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Q8.16(ii):
Describe the following: (ii) Cannizzaro reaction

Solution :

1. Theoretical Foundation of the Cannizzaro Reaction

The Cannizzaro reaction is a chemical process involving the base-induced disproportionation of aldehydes that lack $\alpha$-hydrogen atoms. In this reaction, one molecule of the aldehyde is oxidized to a carboxylic acid salt, while a second molecule of the same aldehyde is reduced to a primary alcohol [Reference: Organic Chemistry, Disproportionation Reactions].

General Equation:

$2 RCHO + OH^- \rightarrow RCOO^- + RCH_2OH$

2. Structural Requirements

  • The substrate must be an aldehyde devoid of $\alpha$-hydrogens (e.g., Formaldehyde $HCHO$, Benzaldehyde $C_6H_5CHO$).
  • The reaction occurs in the presence of concentrated aqueous or alcoholic alkali (typically $50\% \ KOH$ or $NaOH$).

3. Step-by-Step Reaction Mechanism

Step 1: Nucleophilic Attack

The hydroxide ion ($OH^-$) acts as a nucleophile and attacks the electrophilic carbonyl carbon of the aldehyde molecule to form a tetrahedral intermediate (an alkoxide ion).

$R-CHO + OH^- \rightleftharpoons [R-CH(OH)-O]^- \quad [Nucleophilic\ Addition]$

Step 2: Hydride Transfer (Rate-Determining Step)

The tetrahedral intermediate, being unstable, undergoes a hydride transfer to a second molecule of the aldehyde. The species releases a hydride ion ($H^-$) to the second aldehyde molecule. This results in the formation of a carboxylate ion and an alkoxide ion.

$[R-CH(OH)-O]^- + R-CHO \rightarrow R-COOH + R-CH_2O^- \quad [Hydride\ Shift]$

Step 3: Proton Exchange

Due to the high acidity of the carboxylic acid ($R-COOH$) compared to the alkoxide ($R-CH_2O^-$), a rapid proton transfer occurs, yielding the final salt of the carboxylic acid and the primary alcohol.

$R-COOH + R-CH_2O^- \rightarrow R-COO^- + R-CH_2OH \quad [Acid-Base\ Equilibrium]$

4. Schematic Representation

2 C6H5CHO + KOH C6H5COOK + C6H5CH2OH (Benzaldehyde) (Potassium Benzoate + Benzyl Alcohol)

5. Comparison Table: Reactivity Profile

Substrate Product 1 (Oxidation) Product 2 (Reduction)
Formaldehyde ($HCHO$) Potassium Formate ($HCOOK$) Methanol ($CH_3OH$)
Benzaldehyde ($C_6H_5CHO$) Potassium Benzoate ($C_6H_5COOK$) Benzyl Alcohol ($C_6H_5CH_2OH$)

Final Solution: The Cannizzaro reaction is a disproportionation reaction occurring in aldehydes without $\alpha$-hydrogens in the presence of concentrated alkali, yielding a primary alcohol and a carboxylic acid salt as the definitive products.


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