Statement - I : Reaction of benzaldehyde with formaldehyde in presence of base is crossed Cannizaro’s reaction.
Statement - II : Formaldehyde is always oxidized in this reaction because it is better oxidising agent.

see full answer

Your Exam Success, Personally Taken Care Of

1:1 expert mentors customize learning to your strength and weaknesses – so you score higher in school , IIT JEE and NEET entrance exams.

An Intiative by Sri Chaitanya

Both statements I and II are correct

Statement-I is incorrect and statement-II is correct

Both statements I and II are incorrect

Statement-I is correct and statement-II is incorrect

answer is B.

(Unlock A.I Detailed Solution for FREE)

Best Courses for You

JEE

NEET

Foundation JEE

Foundation NEET

CBSE

Detailed Solution

Crossed Cannizzaro reaction between formaldehyde and benzaldehyde-

$\underset{(Benzaldehyde)}{C_{6} H_{5} - CHO} + \underset{(Formaldehyde)}{HCHO} \overset{NaOH}{\to} HCOOH + C_{6} H_{5} - {CH}_{2} - OH$

As there is no electron donating group on formaldehyde, the initial nucleophilic addition of hydroxide ion is faster on formaldehyde due to which formaldehyde oxidises easily and forms formic acid.
Hence the alcohol formed is only benzyl alcohol and not methanol.

Watch 3-min video & get full concept clarity