Moderate

Cannizzaros reaction is not given by__________________?

Correct answer: B. acetaldehyde

  • A. formaldehyde
  • B. acetaldehyde
  • C. benzaldehyde
  • D. trimethyl acetaldehyde

Explanation

Cannizzaro reaction is shown by aldehydes that do not have an alpha hydrogen. Acetaldehyde has the structure CH3CHO and contains alpha hydrogen, so it undergoes aldol condensation instead of Cannizzaro reaction. Students may choose formaldehyde because it is the simplest aldehyde, but formaldehyde has no alpha carbon or alpha hydrogen and readily gives Cannizzaro reaction.

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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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679 free Aldehydes and Ketones MCQs from Chemistry, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.

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