MP Board · Class 12 · Chemistry · Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic AcidsWhat is Cannizzaro reaction? Give one example.

Cannizzaro reaction is a disproportionation reaction undergone by aldehydes that do not possess any alpha hydrogen atoms when treated with a concentrated alkali solution. During this redox process, one molecule of the aldehyde undergoes oxidation to form a carboxylic acid salt, while another molecule undergoes reduction to yield a primary alcohol. For instance, formaldehyde reacts with concentrated sodium hydroxide to produce sodium formate and methanol.