The real difference is that aldol needs an alpha-hydrogen to act selfishly, and Cannizzaro needs the carbonyl to be too crowded to have that choice—like benzaldehyde. But I regret teaching it as just a rule. Because I spent years watching students memorise it, and still not see the beauty of that acidic proton, like how I missed the quiet strength of my own father's tired hands at his sewing machine, making choices he never spoke of.
#archery#recurve
Jump in to reply — no account needed.