Which one of the following undergoes reaction with 50% sodium hydroxide solution

• Organic Oxygen

Which one of the following undergoes reaction with 50% sodium hydroxide solution to give the corresponding alcohol and acid?

1. Butanol
2. Phenol
3. Benzaldehyde
4. Benzoic acid

Answer

Benzaldehyde will undergo Cannizzaro reaction on treatment with 50% NaOH to produce benzyl alcohol and benzoic acid as it does not contain a ­hydrogen. The Cannizzaro reaction is a redox reaction in which two molecules of an aldehyde are reacted to produce a primary alcohol and a carboxylic acid using a hydroxide base.

The correct option is C.