The reaction of benzaldehdye with alkali gives (a) Benzene \(+\) benzyl alcohol (b) Phenol + benzene (c) Benzene \(+\) benzyl alcohol (d) Benzyl alcohol + sodium benzoate

Benzaldehyde is a crucial organic compound with a distinctive almond-like aroma. Chemically, it is the simplest aromatic aldehyde and is represented by the molecular formula C₆H₅CHO. Benzaldehyde does not have any hydrogen atoms on the carbon adjacent to the aldehyde group, which is referred to as the alpha carbon. This absence of alpha-hydrogen is an essential characteristic that makes benzaldehyde a prime candidate for the Cannizzaro reaction.

In the context of organic chemistry, benzaldehyde is widely used as a precursor to various other organic compounds. For instance, it can undergo oxidation to form benzoic acid or be reduced to benzyl alcohol. Knowing the reactivities and the potential transformations of benzaldehyde helps students appreciate its applications in the synthesis of fragrances, flavors, and pharmaceuticals.

Chemical reactions in organic chemistry are the backbone of understanding how different organic molecules interact with each other to form new products. There are several types of chemical reactions, among which are addition, substitution, elimination, and redox reactions. Each type follows specific rules regarding how atoms and electrons are rearranged during the process.

Understanding these reactions requires a grasp of electron flow, functional group behavior, and the concept of mechanism — the step-by-step sequence of elementary reactions by which overall chemical change occurs. A solid foundation in these principles allows students to predict the products and conditions for a multitude of organic reactions, aiding in everything from laboratory synthesis to industrial chemical production.

Redox reactions are a type of chemical reaction that involves the transfer of electrons between two species. The term 'redox' is a portmanteau of reduction and oxidation. In the context of the Cannizzaro reaction, one benzaldehyde molecule donates electrons (reduced) to form benzyl alcohol, while another accepts electrons (oxidized) to become the sodium salt of a carboxylic acid—sodium benzoate.

Understanding redox reactions is fundamental in the study of energy generation, chemical manufacturing, and biological processes. For instance, reduction-oxidation reactions take place in batteries to produce electricity, during the synthesis of various chemicals, and within the cells of our bodies to produce energy from food. In many ways, mastering redox reactions is essential for students as it imparts a deeper knowledge of the energetic and electron transfer dynamics that drive chemical change.