m-chlorobenzaldehyde on treatment with 50% KOH solution yields
(A)(see structure)
(B)(see structure)✓ Correct
(C)(see structure)
(D)(see structure)
Answer: (B)
Solution
m-Chlorobenzaldehyde has no α-hydrogen, so treatment with concentrated (50%) KOH drives the Cannizzaro reaction: hydroxide adds to the carbonyl of one aldehyde molecule to give a tetrahedral alkoxide, which transfers a hydride to the carbonyl carbon of a second aldehyde molecule. One molecule is thereby oxidised to m-chlorobenzoate ion and the other reduced to m-chlorobenzyl alcohol, formed in equal amounts.
JEE Main · 2024 · 30 Jan 2024 · Shift 2 · Single correct option