Sample Questions on Cannizzaro Reaction

Question 1: What is Cannizzaro Reaction in organic chemistry?

Answer:

The Cannizzaro reaction is a chemical transformation in redox chemistry that involves the base-induced disproportionation of two molecules of a non-enolizable aldehyde to yield a carboxylic acid and a primary school. In other words, one molecule of the aldehyde undergoes oxidation to form the corresponding carboxylic acid, while the other molecule undergoes reduction to form the corresponding primary alcohol.

Question 2: What are the products formed in the Cannizzaro chemical reaction involving formaldehyde (HCHO)?

Answer:

Balanced chemical equation of Cannizzaro reaction involving formaldehyde (HCHO):

2HCHO(formaldehyde) + 2NaOH(sodium hydroxide) → HCOONa(sodium formate) + CH₃OH(methanol)

Hence the products formed are one molecule of sodium formate and another is methanol.

Question 3: Provide the balanced chemical equation of Cannizzaro reaction involving benzaldehyde.

Answer:

Benzaldeyde can go under the Cannizzaro reaction and following is the chemical equation:

2 C₆H₅CHO (benzaldehyde) + 2 NaOH → C₆H₅COONa (sodium benzoate) + C₆H₅CH₂OH (benzyl alcohol)

Question 4: Discuss some practical applications of the Crossed Cannizzaro Reaction.

Answer:

There are variety of applications the Crossed Cannizzaro reaction. Below-mentioned are some of them:

• The crossed cannizzaro reaction is used for the synthesis of alcohols such as benzyl, furfuryl, and vanillyl.
• It is also used in the purification of aldehydes.
• The chemical reaction is used in the perfume industry such as synethsis of benzyl alcohol.
• It is also used in the food and beverage industry.
• The chemical reaction is applied in the adhesives and coating industry where synethesization of furfuryl alcohol is done.

Question 5: Can ketones undergo the Cannizzaro reaction? Why or Why not?

Answer:

The Cannizzaro reaction requires the aldehyde molecule to have at least one alpha hydrogen for the transfer of a hydride ion to occur. Ketones have two alpha hydrogens, so they cannot donate a hydride ion to another ketone molecule.

Cannizaro Reaction in organic chemistry is known for its duality and versatility. Cannizzaro’s reaction is named after its discoverer and founder, Stanislao Cannizzaro. The Cannizzaro reaction is a well-known chemical transformation that has fascinated scientists and researchers for generations. In this blog, we will explore the intricate mechanism of the Cannizzaro reaction that underlay redox reaction principles. We will also get to know how Cannizzaro’s reaction has an indelible mark on the chemical world and plays a crucial role in the synthesis of carboxylic acids and alcohols.