Question

An organic compound A has the molecular formula C₇H₆O. When A is treated with NaOH followed by acid hydrolysis, it gives two products B and C. When B is oxidized, it gives A when A and C are each treated separately with PCl₅, they give two different products D and E.

(i) Identify A, B, C, D, and E.
(ii) Give the chemical reaction when A is treated with NaOH and name the reaction.

Answer 1

(i)

(ii)

This reaction is called Cannizzaro’s reaction.