Moderate

Cannizaros reaction takes place through the transfer of ____________________ from complex anion?

Correct answer: B. hydride ion

  • A. hydrogen ion
  • B. hydride ion
  • C. oxide ion
  • D. methoxide ion

Explanation

In the Cannizzaro reaction, one aldehyde molecule is oxidized while another is reduced through transfer of a hydride ion, H-, from an aldehyde-derived intermediate. The likely mistake is choosing H+ because acid-base reactions commonly involve proton transfer, but the key redox step specifically transfers hydride.

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About Reactivity of Aldehydes and Ketones

The polar carbonyl group makes aldehydes and ketones undergo nucleophilic addition, reduction and condensation reactions. Aldehydes are generally more reactive and oxidise readily to carboxylic acids, whereas ketones resist mild oxidation; reactions with hydrogen cyanide, sodium bisulfite and 2,4-DNP help identify their behaviour.

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