Formaldehyde when treated with KOH (caustic potash) gives methanol and potassium formate, the reaction is known as

Options

A. Perkin reaction
B. Claisen reaction
C. Cannizzaro reaction
D. Knoevengael reaction

Answer

To solve the question, we need to analyze the reaction of formaldehyde with KOH and identify the type of reaction it represents. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

### Step 1: Identify the Reactants
The reactant in this case is formaldehyde, which has the chemical formula \( \text{CH}_2\text{O} \). It is an aldehyde.

### Step 2: Identify the Products
When formaldehyde reacts with KOH, it produces methanol (\( \text{CH}_3\text{OH} \)) and potassium formate (\( \text{HCOOK} \)).

### Step 3: Understand the Reaction Mechanism
In this reaction:
- One molecule of formaldehyde is reduced to methanol.
- Another molecule of formaldehyde is oxidized to potassium formate.

### Step 4: Recognize the Type of Reaction
This reaction involves the simultaneous oxidation and reduction of formaldehyde, which is characteristic of the **Cannizzaro reaction**. In this reaction, aldehydes that do not have alpha-hydrogens undergo disproportionation in the presence of a strong base (like KOH) to yield an alcohol and a carboxylic salt.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Thus, the reaction of formaldehyde with KOH yielding methanol and potassium formate is known as the **Cannizzaro reaction**.

### Final Answer
The reaction is known as the **Cannizzaro reaction**.

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