Question

On Cannizzaro’s reaction formaldehyde forms:

Hint:

Aldehydes without $\alpha$-hydrogens undergo Cannizzaro’s reaction to give one molecule of alcohol and one molecule of acid.

Answer 1

Step 1: Recall Cannizzaro’s reaction.
Cannizzaro’s reaction occurs in aldehydes which do not have an $\alpha$-hydrogen atom. In this reaction, one molecule of the aldehyde is reduced to alcohol and another molecule is oxidized to carboxylic acid in the presence of strong base (conc. NaOH/KOH).

Step 2: Applying to formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde (HCHO) has no $\alpha$-hydrogen. Thus, it undergoes Cannizzaro’s reaction to form: - Methanol (CH$_3$OH) and - Formic acid (HCOOH).

Step 3: Analyzing options.
- (A) Methane: Not formed.
- (B) Methyl alcohol: Correct, formaldehyde produces methyl alcohol (methanol).
- (C) Methyl cyanide: Not related to this reaction.
- (D) Ethyl amine: Not formed in this case.

Step 4: Conclusion.
Therefore, formaldehyde forms methyl alcohol on Cannizzaro’s reaction.

Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{(B) Methyl alcohol}} \]