Free interactive chemistry · SIM-ORG-NA-002

Aldol and Cannizzaro reactions

Aldol and Cannizzaro reactions: what carbonyl compounds do in base, with and without α-hydrogens.

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How to use this simulation

Play the mechanism or step through it.
Watch the enolate form (aldol) or the hydride move (Cannizzaro).
Read the conditions in “Facts”.

What to notice

An α-H is needed for aldol (enolate formation).
Without α-H (HCHO, PhCHO), Cannizzaro happens instead.

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Does benzaldehyde undergo aldol or Cannizzaro? Why?

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