Question

In Cannizzaro's reaction given below:
$2Ph-CHO\overset{OH^{\ominus}}{ \rightarrow }PhCH_{2}OH+PhCO_{2}^{\ominus}$
the slowest step is:

• A. The transfer of hydride to the carbonyl group
• B. The abstraction of protons from the carboxylic
  group
• C. The deprotonation of $PhCH_{2}OH$
• D. The attack of $OH^{\Theta}$ at the carboxyl group

Answer 1

Answer: (A)