Which of the following compounds would undergo Cannizzaro's reaction

Options

A. Propionaldehyde
B. Benzaldehyde
C. Bromobenzene
D. Acetaldehyde

Explanation

To determine which compound undergoes Cannizzaro's reaction, we need to understand the conditions required for this reaction to occur. Cannizzaro's reaction is a redox reaction that occurs in aldehydes that do not have alpha-hydrogen atoms.

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Compounds**: We need to analyze the given compounds to check if they are aldehydes and if they have alpha-hydrogens. The compounds we are considering are:
- Propanal (CH3CH2CHO)
- Benzaldehyde (C6H5CHO)
- Acetaldehyde (CH3CHO)
- Bromobenzene (C6H5Br)

2. **Check for Alpha-Hydrogens**:
- **Propanal**: This is an aldehyde with the structure CH3CH2CHO. It has alpha-hydrogens (the hydrogens on the carbon adjacent to the carbonyl group).
- **Benzaldehyde**: This is an aldehyde with the structure C6H5CHO. It has no alpha-hydrogens because the carbon adjacent to the carbonyl is part of the aromatic ring.
- **Acetaldehyde**: This is an aldehyde with the structure CH3CHO. It has alpha-hydrogens.
- **Bromobenzene**: This is not a carbonyl compound; it is an aromatic compound with a bromine substituent.

3. **Determine Which Compounds Undergo Cannizzaro's Reaction**:
- Cannizzaro's reaction occurs only in aldehydes without alpha-hydrogens.
- **Propanal**: Will not undergo Cannizzaro's reaction due to the presence of alpha-hydrogens.
- **Benzaldehyde**: Will undergo Cannizzaro's reaction because it lacks alpha-hydrogens.
- **Acetaldehyde**: Will not undergo Cannizzaro's reaction due to the presence of alpha-hydrogens.
- **Bromobenzene**: Cannot undergo Cannizzaro's reaction as it is not a carbonyl compound.

4. **Conclusion**: The only compound that will undergo Cannizzaro's reaction is **Benzaldehyde**.

**Final Answer**: Benzaldehyde (C6H5CHO) is the compound that will undergo Cannizzaro's reaction.

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