Cannizzaro reaction

Definition

The Cannizzaro reaction is a chemical reaction where an aldehyde is simultaneously reduced and oxidized in the presence of a strong base, leading to the formation of a primary alcohol and a carboxylate salt. This reaction involves no external reducing agent, as one aldehyde molecule acts as the oxidant and another as the reductant.

Related terms

Aldehydes:

Organic compounds with a carbonyl group bonded to at least one hydrogen atom; they are susceptible to nucleophilic addition reactions.

Reduction:

A chemical reaction that involves the gain of electrons or decrease in oxidation state by a molecule, atom, or ion.

Oxidation:

A chemical process that involves the loss of electrons or an increase in oxidation state by a molecule, atom, or ion