The Cannizzaro Reaction

Abstract

The reaction in which two aldehyde groups are transformed into the corresponding hydroxyl and carbonyl functions, existing separately or in combination as an ester, has been termed the Cannizzaro reaction. Here the discussion is restricted to the dismutation of two similar aldehyde groups into the corresponding alcohol and carboxylic salt function by means of aqueous or alcoholic and alkali. The conversion of benzaldehyde into a mixture of benzyl alcohol and sodium benzoate is an example. Keywords: Cannizzaro reaction; aliphatic aldehydes; aromatic aldheydes; heterocyclic aldehydes; crossed Cannizzaro reaction; experimental conditions