Question:

Find the number of products formed by the reaction of acetaldehyde with benzaldehyde in the presence of NaOH.

Updated On: Aug 18, 2023
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Solution and Explanation

The reaction between acetaldehyde and benzaldehyde in the presence of NaOH is known as the Cannizzaro reaction. In this reaction, both aldehydes act as reducing agents and undergo disproportionation. However, the products formed depend on the reaction conditions. 

Under normal Cannizzaro reaction conditions, where excess NaOH is used, the following products are formed: 

Sodium Salt of Acetic Acid: The acetaldehyde (CH₃CHO) is reduced to form sodium salt of acetic acid (CH₃COONa) as one of the products.

Benzyl Alcohol: The benzaldehyde (C₆H₅CHO) is reduced to form benzyl alcohol (C₆H₅CH₂OH) as another product. 

Therefore, in this specific reaction, two products are formed: sodium salt of acetic acid (CH₃COONa) and benzyl alcohol (C₆H₅CH₂OH). 

It's important to note that the formation of these products can be influenced by reaction conditions such as the molar ratio of the reactants, concentration of NaOH, temperature, and reaction time. In some cases, additional products like benzoic acid or acetic acid may also be observed, depending on the specific reaction conditions. 
 

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Concepts Used:

Organic Chemistry - Some Basic Principles and Techniques

Organic Chemistry is a subset of chemistry dealing with compounds of carbon. Therefore, we can say that Organic chemistry is the chemistry of carbon compounds and is 200-225 years old. Carbon forms bond with itself to form long chains of hydrocarbons, e.g.CH4, methane and CH3-CH3 ethane. Carbon has the ability to form carbon-carbon bonds quite elaborately. Polymers like polyethylene is a linear chain where hundreds of CH2 are linked together. 

Read Also: Organic Compounds

Importance of Organic Chemistry:

Organic chemistry is applicable in a variety of areas including-

  • Medicines: Example- Aspirin which is a headache medicine and Ibuprofen is a painkiller, both are organic compounds. Other examples include paracetamol.
  • Food: Example- Starch which is a carbohydrate is an organic compound and a constituent of rice and other grains. It is the source of energy.
  • Clothing: Example- Nylon, Polyester and Cotton are forms of organic compounds.
  • Fuels: Examples- Gasoline, Petrol and Diesel are organic compounds used in the automobile industry at large.