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JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3co075

Assertion (A): When methanal and benzaldehyde react in concentrated NaOH, phenylmethanol and sodium methanoate are formed. Reason (R): Methanal is more electrophilic, so hydroxide adds to it preferentially and the resulting anion transfers hydride to benzaldehyde.

  1. ABoth A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
  2. BBoth A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
  3. CA is true but R is false
  4. DA is false but R is true

Answer: A

Methanal has an unhindered, highly electrophilic carbonyl and forms the hydroxide adduct faster. This adduct is the hydride donor and is oxidised to methanoate. The hydride is accepted by benzaldehyde, which becomes phenylmethanol, so R explains A.
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