John paul III - 2-5-2018 at 13:05
hello, it's me shitposting again,
What could be used to prevent cannizarro reaction taking place
in formaldehyde with Ca 2+ ions in it?
I can't use a neutral salt, but maybe adding
carboxylic acid in excess to lower pH would do it?
Or are there known inhibitors of the reaction?
[Edited on 2-5-2018 by John paul III]
[Edited on 2-5-2018 by John paul III]
Reboot - 3-5-2018 at 03:59
Is the cannizarro reaction happening unintentionally because the calcium ions are acting as a base? (Usually it's driven by hydroxide when done
deliberately...) If so, my first instinct would be to try adding a chelating agent like EDTA to bind/neutralize the calcium. (Adding acid as you
suggest might work as well.)
I'm curious; why can't you add a neutral salt?
Magpie - 3-5-2018 at 07:28
My understanding of the cannizzaro reaction is that it requires a base usually KOH or NaOH. If the solution was acidic I don't think the cannizzaro
would occur.