Cannizaro's reaction takes place through the transfer of. anion from complex

Explanation

The Cannizzaro reaction, named after Stanislao Cannizzaro, involves the disproportionation of two molecules of an aldol without α-hydrogen atoms into an equal mixture of a carboxylic acid and a primary alcohol. This fascinating transformation occurs through the transfer of a hydride ion (H⁻):Base Activation: The reaction begins with the addition of a strong base (e.g., NaOH) to the aldehyde. The base deprotonates the α-carbon of one molecule, generating a carbanion intermediate.Nucleophilic Attack: The carbanion acts as a nucleophile and attacks the carbonyl carbon of a different aldehyde molecule, forming a tetrahedral intermediate.Hydride Transfer: This key step involves the transfer of a hydride ion from the tetrahedral intermediate to the base. This regenerates the original aldehyde molecule and forms a new alkoxide ion.Protonation: Finally, the alkoxide ion is protonated by the solvent (e.g., water) to give the primary alcohol product.The transfer of the hydride ion plays a crucial role in achieving the disproportionation outcome. It allows one aldehyde molecule to be oxidized (loses hydride) to form the carboxylic acid, while the other is reduced (gains hydride) to form the alcohol.