(A) Reaction of benzaldehyde with formaldehyde in presence of base is crossed Cannizaro’s reaction.
(R) Formaldehyde is always oxidized in this reaction because it is better oxidising agent.

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(A) is true but (R) is false

Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

Both (A) and (R) are false

answer is C.

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Detailed Solution

In the presence of alkali, benzaldehyde and formaldehyde combine to produce sodium formate and benzyl alcohol.

An illustration of a crossed Cannizaro reaction is this. Since benzaldehyde lacks an alpha hydrogen atom, it causes this reaction. Formaldehyde is oxidized to sodium formate whereas benzaldehyde is converted to benzyl alcohol.

Although neither hydrogen nor carbon monoxide could be regarded as oxidizing agents, the heat of combustion of formaldehyde is almost exactly equal to the total heat of combustion of the hydrogen and carbon monoxide that you could envisage creating it from. Therefore, formaldehyde can be oxidized with a significant energy release; it does not oxidize itself; rather, it is oxidized.

Therefore, the correct option is option C [(A) is true but (R) is false].

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