Answer to Question #96363 in Organic Chemistry for Megha Nautiyal

Question

Aldehyde without @- hydrogen does not undergo cannizzaro reaction. Answer.

Answer 1

The cannizzaro reaction is performed in the presence of a strong base. If an aldehyde has alpha hydrogen (aliphatic aldehydes) then the base attacks this alpha hydrogen instead of carbonyl group, enolate is a product of such elimination. The enolate can then undergo aldol condensation.