Question

Provide the structure of the major organic product which results when PhCH₂CHO is treated with NaOH.

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Answer 1

The major organic product when PhCH2CHO is treated with NaOH is a result of the Cannizzaro reaction, producing benzyl alcohol (PhCH2OH) and the sodium salt of benzoic acid (NaOOC-Ph).

Step-by-step explanation:

The question involves determining the structure of the major organic product when PhCH2CHO (a benzaldehyde derivative) is treated with NaOH. In the presence of a strong base like NaOH, this compound is expected to undergo Cannizzaro reaction because it has an aldehyde group without any α-hydrogens.

In the Cannizzaro reaction, one molecule of the aldehyde is reduced to the alcohol while another is oxidized to the carboxylic acid salt. Therefore, the reaction of PhCH2CHO with NaOH would result in the formation of benzyl alcohol (PhCH2OH) and the sodium salt of benzoic acid (NaOOC-Ph).