Chapter 28: Problem 24
Which compound does not give cannizzaro's reaction? (a) trichloro acetaldehyde (b) benzaldehyde (c) formaldehyde (d) acetaldehyde
Short Answer
Expert verified
Acetaldehyde does not give a Cannizzaro reaction.
Step by step solution
01
Identify Cannizzaro Reaction
The Cannizzaro reaction is a redox reaction wherein two molecules of an aldehyde that lacks an alpha-hydrogen undergo a disproportionation reaction in the presence of a strong base, forming an alcohol and a carboxylic acid salt. This reaction is indicative for aldehydes without alpha-hydrogens.
02
Analyze Each Compound for Alpha-Hydrogen
Assess the structure of each compound:
(a) Trichloro acetaldehyde (CCl₃CHO) doesn't have an alpha-hydrogen due to the presence of chlorine atoms.
(b) Benzaldehyde (C₆H₅CHO) does not have an alpha-hydrogen since it is attached directly to the aromatic ring.
(c) Formaldehyde (HCHO) lacks any alpha-hydrogen as it only has hydrogen atoms.
(d) Acetaldehyde (CH₃CHO) has three hydrogens attached to the alpha carbon, thus has an alpha-hydrogen.
03
Determine Cannizzaro Suitability
All compounds except for acetaldehyde lack alpha-hydrogens, making them candidates for the Cannizzaro reaction under alkaline conditions. Acetaldehyde, having an alpha-hydrogen, does not undergo this reaction.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Aldehydes
Aldehydes are a class of organic compounds characterized by the presence of a carbonyl group (C=O) with the carbon atom bonded to at least one hydrogen atom. The general formula for an aldehyde is RCHO, where R is a hydrocarbon group or hydrogen. Aldehydes play a crucial role in a variety of chemical reactions, including the Cannizzaro reaction.
- They are typically more reactive than ketones due to the presence of the hydrogen atom bonded to the carbonyl carbon.
- The carbonyl group in aldehydes makes these compounds polar, thus more reactive with nucleophiles.
Alpha-Hydrogen
The term 'alpha-hydrogen' refers to a hydrogen atom attached to the carbon adjacent to the carbonyl group in an organic compound. The presence or absence of alpha-hydrogens plays a significant role in the reactivity of aldehydes.
- Aldehydes with no alpha-hydrogens, like formaldehyde and benzaldehyde, are prime candidates for the Cannizzaro reaction.
- However, if an aldehyde contains alpha-hydrogens, such as acetaldehyde, it may undergo different reactions, such as aldol condensation.
Redox Reaction
In a redox reaction, there is a simultaneous reduction and oxidation process occurring. These reactions are fundamental to many biochemical and industrial processes. During a redox reaction, one substance is oxidized (loses electrons), while another is reduced (gains electrons).
- The Cannizzaro reaction is a classic example of a redox reaction; one aldehyde molecule is reduced to an alcohol, while another is oxidized to a carboxylic acid salt.
- This type of reaction is important in organic chemistry because it allows for the transformation of simple aldehyde molecules into more complex products.
Disproportionation Reaction
A disproportionation reaction involves a single species undergoing both oxidation and reduction simultaneously, resulting in two different products. In the context of the Cannizzaro reaction, this process is evident.
- Two molecules of an aldehyde without alpha-hydrogens react in the presence of a strong base.
- During this reaction, one molecule is reduced to form an alcohol, and the other is oxidized to form a carboxylic acid salt.