question_answer

Trichloroacetaldehyde was subjected to cannizaro's reaction by using NaOH. The mixture of the products contains sodium trichloroacetate ion and another compound. The other compound is

A) 2, 2, 2-trichlorethanol

B) trichloromethanol

C) 2, 2, 2-trichloroethanol

D) chloroform

Correct Answer: A

Solution :

[a] Cannizzaro's reaction is given by aldehydes (RCHO) lacking H at \[\alpha \]-carbon or lacking \[\alpha \]-carbon (as in HCHO). With NaOH, there is formation of acid salt (\[RCO{{O}^{-}}\]) by oxidation and alcohol \[(RC{{H}_{2}}OH)\]by reduction.