The Cannizzaro reaction is given by

Options

A. benzaldehyde
B. acetaldehyde
C. acetone
D. trimethyl acetaldehyde

Answer

To answer the question regarding the Cannizzaro reaction, we need to identify which compounds can undergo this reaction. The Cannizzaro reaction occurs with aldehydes that do not have any alpha-hydrogens. Here’s a step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Understand the Cannizzaro Reaction
The Cannizzaro reaction is a redox reaction that involves the disproportionation of aldehydes that lack alpha-hydrogens. In this reaction, one molecule of the aldehyde is oxidized to a carboxylic acid, while another molecule is reduced to an alcohol.

### Step 2: Identify Aldehydes Without Alpha-Hydrogens
To determine which compounds can undergo the Cannizzaro reaction, we need to check for the presence of alpha-hydrogens. An alpha-hydrogen is a hydrogen atom attached to the carbon adjacent to the carbonyl group (C=O).

### Step 3: Analyze the Given Options
1. **Benzaldehyde (C6H5CHO)**:
- Structure: Benzaldehyde has a phenyl group (C6H5) attached to the carbonyl carbon. The carbon adjacent to the carbonyl (alpha carbon) has no hydrogens.
- Conclusion: Benzaldehyde has no alpha-hydrogens and can undergo the Cannizzaro reaction.

2. **Acetaldehyde (CH3CHO)**:
- Structure: Acetaldehyde has a methyl group (CH3) attached to the carbonyl carbon. The alpha carbon has three hydrogens.
- Conclusion: Acetaldehyde has alpha-hydrogens and cannot undergo the Cannizzaro reaction.

3. **Acetone (CH3COCH3)**:
- Structure: Acetone is a ketone with two methyl groups attached to the carbonyl carbon. The alpha carbons each have three hydrogens.
- Conclusion: Acetone has alpha-hydrogens and cannot undergo the Cannizzaro reaction.

4. **Trimethylacetaldehyde (C(CH3)3CHO)**:
- Structure: Trimethylacetaldehyde has three methyl groups attached to the alpha carbon adjacent to the carbonyl carbon. The alpha carbon has no hydrogens.
- Conclusion: Trimethylacetaldehyde has no alpha-hydrogens and can undergo the Cannizzaro reaction.

### Step 4: Final Conclusion
From the analysis above, the compounds that can undergo the Cannizzaro reaction are:
- **Benzaldehyde**
- **Trimethylacetaldehyde**

### Summary
The Cannizzaro reaction is applicable to aldehydes without alpha-hydrogens. In the given options, Benzaldehyde and Trimethylacetaldehyde can undergo this reaction.

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