Question

In the Cannizzaro reaction given below $2 C _{6} H _{5} CHO \xrightarrow{ OH ^{-}} C _{6} H _{5} CH _{2} OH + C _{6} H _{5} COO$ The slowest step is

• A. The attack of $OH ^{-}$at the carbonyl group
• B. The transfer of hydride ion to the carbonyl group
• C. The abstraction of proton from the carboxylic acid
• D. The abstraction of proton from the carboxylic acid

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

$H^{-}$is obtained by fission of $C-H$ bond of $(B)$. It is transferred to (II). This is the slowest step.