JEE Main Chemistry question

[AIEEE 2009] In Cannizzaro's reaction, 2PhCHO —OH⁻→ PhCH₂OH + PhCOO⁻, the slowest step is

(A)Transfer of a hydride ion to the carbonyl carbon of a second aldehyde moleculeCorrect
(B)Abstraction of a proton from the carboxylic acid group
(C)Deprotonation of PhCH₂OH
(D)Attack of OH⁻ at the carbonyl carbon

Answer: (A)

Solution

After rapid, reversible addition of OH⁻ to one aldehyde to form a tetrahedral alkoxide intermediate, the rate-determining step of

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Question ID VK-140136