`CH_3-underset(CH_3)underset(|)overset(CH_3)overset(|)C-CHO` shows Cannizaro's reaction due to

Options

A. Carbon is bounded by 3 methyl groups
B. Absence of `alpha`-hydrogen atom
C. Due to steric effect
D. None of these

Explanation

To determine why the compound \( CH_3C(CH_3)_2CHO \) (which is 2,2-dimethylpropanal) shows Cannizzaro's reaction, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Structure
The given compound is an aldehyde with the structure \( CH_3C(CH_3)_2CHO \). It has a carbonyl group (C=O) characteristic of aldehydes.

### Step 2: Analyze the Presence of Alpha-Hydrogens
In order for an aldehyde to undergo Cannizzaro's reaction, it must lack alpha-hydrogens. Alpha-hydrogens are the hydrogen atoms attached to the carbon atom adjacent to the carbonyl carbon.

For the compound \( CH_3C(CH_3)_2CHO \):
- The carbon adjacent to the carbonyl carbon (the aldehyde group) is a tertiary carbon (due to the presence of three methyl groups).
- Tertiary carbons do not have any hydrogen atoms attached to them.

### Step 3: Conclusion on Cannizzaro's Reaction
Since the compound lacks alpha-hydrogens, it cannot undergo aldol condensation. Instead, it will undergo Cannizzaro's reaction when treated with a strong base, such as concentrated NaOH. In this reaction, one molecule of the aldehyde will be oxidized to a carboxylic acid, while another molecule will be reduced to an alcohol.

### Step 4: Write the Reaction
The Cannizzaro reaction can be summarized as follows:
1. One molecule of \( CH_3C(CH_3)_2CHO \) is oxidized to \( CH_3C(CH_3)_2COOH \) (carboxylic acid).
2. Another molecule of \( CH_3C(CH_3)_2CHO \) is reduced to \( CH_3C(CH_3)_2CH_2OH \) (alcohol).

### Final Answer
The compound \( CH_3C(CH_3)_2CHO \) shows Cannizzaro's reaction due to the absence of alpha-hydrogens.

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