Question

The correct sequence of steps involved in the mechanism of Cannizzaro's reaction is

• A. transfer of $H^{-}$, transfer of $H^{+}$ and nucleophilic attack
• B. nucleophilic attack, transfer of $H^{-}$ and transfer of $H^{+}$
• C. electrophilic attack by $O{H}^{-}$, transfer of $H^{+}$ and transfer of $H^{-}$
• D. transfer of $H^{+}$, nucleophilic attack and transfer of $H^{-}$

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

The Cannizaro reaction is as

$HCHO+HCHO\stackrel{\text{ KOH (con.) }}{⟶}\underset{\text{methyl alcohol}}{C{H}_{3}OH}$

$+\underset{\text{ acetic acid }}{HCOO{K}^{+}}$

The mechanism of Cannizaro reaction is as

Step Ist : Attack of nucleophile $O{H}^{-}$ to the carbonyl carbon



Step IInd : The transfer of hydride ion from anion (I) to second molecule of aldehyde and finally rapid transfer of proton takes place.