JEE Main Chemistry question

Predict the products in the given reaction: 3-chlorobenzaldehyde treated with 50% KOH.

(A)3-Chlorobenzyl alcohol and sodium (potassium) 3-chlorobenzoate, with chlorine retained at the same ring position in both productsCorrect
(B)3-Chlorobenzyl alcohol and unsubstituted potassium benzoate
(C)Unsubstituted benzyl alcohol and 3-chlorobenzoate
(D)4-Chlorobenzyl alcohol and 3-chlorobenzoate (chlorine migrates)

Answer: (A)

Solution

Having no α-hydrogen, the substituted benzaldehyde undergoes Cannizzaro's disproportionation: one molecule is reduced to the corresponding benzyl

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Question ID VK-149701