Question

In the Cannizzaro reaction given below,
$2PCHO \xrightarrow{{}^-OH} PhCH_2OH +PhCO^{-}_2, $ the slowest step is

• A. the attack of $^-{OH}$ at the carbonyl group,
• B. the transfer of hydride to the carbonyl group,
• C. the abstraction of proton from the carboxylic acid,
• D. the deprotonation of $PhCH_2OH$

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

The possible mechanism is The slowest step is the transfer o f hydride group as shown in step (ii).