Question

Trichloroacetaldehyde was subjected to Cannizzaro's reaction by using NaOH. The mixture of the products contain sodium trichloroacetate and another compound. The other compound is:
A. \[2,2,2-Trichloroethanol\]
B. $Tricholomethanol$
C. $2,2,2-Trichloropropanol$
D. $Chloroform$

Answer 1

Hint: The Cannizzaro reaction occurs when an aldehyde is combined with a potent base to produce alcohol and an acid salt. Stanislao Cannizzaro, who discovered this reaction, is honoured with its name. You should be aware that this reaction produces primary alcohol and a carboxylic acid as its byproducts. Try answering the query now.

Complete Step by Step Answer:
By using a hydroxide base and two molecules of an aldehyde, the Cannizzaro reaction is a redox reaction that results in the production of a primary alcohol and a carboxylic acid.

Mechanism of the reaction:
You should be aware that the reaction starts with an attack by the hydroxide on the carbonyl carbon, followed by a deprotonation that produces a dianion. This unstable intermediate causes the assault of an aldehyde molecule by a hydride anion. The dianion changes into a carboxylate anion during this process, and the aldehyde transforms into an alkoxide.

The end result of the reaction is alcohol, which is produced when the alkoxide picks up a proton from the water, while the carboxylate undergoes acid work-up to become carboxylic acid.
Now, for the given question, trichloroacetaldehyde is being subjected to Cannizzaro’s reaction then the reaction for the same can be shown as:
\[2CC{{l}_{3}}CHO\xrightarrow{NaOH}CC{{l}_{3}}COONa+CC{{l}_{3}}C{{H}_{2}}OH\]
Hence, the correct option is A. \[2,2,2-Trichloroethanol\]

Note: The target product yield is increased by the reaction's modifications. Two molecules of a non-enolizable aldehyde can be disproportionated by the Cannizzaro reaction to produce a primary alcohol and a carboxylic acid.