When a solution of formaldehyde and KOH is heated, it will give: (a) acetylene and methane (b) methanol and potassium formate (c) methanol and methane (d) methanol and acetylene
Answer (1)
When a solution of formaldehyde (HCHO) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) is heated, it undergoes a reaction commonly known as the Cannizzaro reaction.
In the Cannizzaro reaction, two molecules of formaldehyde undergo a disproportionation reaction when treated with a strong base, like KOH. This means that one molecule of formaldehyde is reduced while the other is oxidized.
Here's the step-by-step breakdown:
Oxidation Reaction: One molecule of formaldehyde is oxidized to form formate ion (HCOO^-), which in this case combines with potassium ion (K^+) to form potassium formate.
Reduction Reaction: Simultaneously, the other molecule of formaldehyde is reduced to form methanol (CH₃OH).
Therefore, when the reaction is completed, the products are methanol and potassium formate. However, since the options specify only the organic products without considering the inorganic byproducts like potassium formate, we identify the correct combination by determining that methanol is typically paired with potassium formate in this specific reaction context.
So, the correct answer is:
(b) methanol and potassium formate.
It's important to note that potassium formate is the inorganic product of the reaction, while methanol is the organic product formed.
