Microwave irradiation techniques for the Cannizzaro reaction

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(98)02558-1

Aromatic aldehydes are converted to aromatic alcohols and acids by Cannizzaro reactions under microwave irradiation within 15 sec. in good yields. The reaction rate can be dramatically enhanced by irradiation of a mixture of an aldehyde, sodium hydroxide, and basic alumina, in a commercial microwave oven.