What is the name of reaction when benzaldehyde changes into benzyl alcohol?

Options

A. Friedel- Craft's reaction
B. Kolbe's reaction
C. Wurtz reaction
D. Cannizzaro reaction

Answer

To determine the name of the reaction when benzaldehyde changes into benzyl alcohol, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Reactants and Products
- The reactant is benzaldehyde (C6H5CHO).
- The product is benzyl alcohol (C6H5CH2OH).

### Step 2: Understand the Reaction Type
- Benzaldehyde is an aldehyde that lacks alpha hydrogen atoms.
- The transformation involves the reduction of the aldehyde to an alcohol.

### Step 3: Recall the Relevant Reaction
- The reaction that facilitates this transformation is known as the **Cannizzaro reaction**. This reaction occurs when aldehydes without alpha hydrogen atoms undergo self-oxidation and reduction in the presence of a strong base (like sodium hydroxide).

### Step 4: Write the Reaction Equation
- The Cannizzaro reaction can be represented as:
\[ 2 \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{CHO} \xrightarrow{\text{NaOH}} \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{CH}_2\text{OH} + \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{COONa} \]
- Here, one molecule of benzaldehyde is reduced to benzyl alcohol, while another molecule is oxidized to sodium benzoate.

### Step 5: Conclude the Answer
- Therefore, the name of the reaction when benzaldehyde changes into benzyl alcohol is the **Cannizzaro reaction**.

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