Related Formula
Intramolecular Cannizzaro-type reaction or Benzil-Benzilic acid rearrangement involves nucleophilic attack of hydroxide at a carbonyl group, followed by hydride transfer to the adjacent carbonyl carbon.
Core Logic
Let's analyze the starting compound, phenylglyoxal:
Ph-CO-CHO$$\mathrm{Ph-CO-CHO}$$
Step 1: Hydride Transfer Mechanism
The tetrahedral intermediate collapses, prompting an intramolecular hydride (H^-$H^-$) transfer to the adjacent ketone carbonyl carbon:
Ph-CO-C(O^-)(OH)H arrow Ph-C(O^-)H-COOH$$\mathrm{Ph-CO-C(O^-)(OH)H} \rightarrow \mathrm{Ph-C(O^-)H-COOH}$$
This is the rate-determining step.
Step 2: Proton Transfer to form Product
Rapid proton transfer occurs from the carboxylic acid group to the alkoxide oxygen, yielding the stable carboxylate salt:
Ph-CH(OH)-COO^- K^+$$\mathrm{Ph-CH(OH)-COO^- K^+}$$
This corresponds to Option (2).
Pattern Recognition
In asymmetrical 1,2-dicarbonyl systems with an aldehyde and a ketone, nucleophilic addition occurs preferentially at the more reactive aldehyde carbon. The hydrogen is then transferred as a hydride to the ketone carbon, yielding an α$\alpha$-hydroxy carboxylate salt.
Chapter Mix
Class 12 Chemistry: Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids