- Lack of α-hydrogens: Chloral has no α-hydrogen atoms. Therefore, it cannot undergo the aldol reaction and may be considered for the Cannizzaro reaction.
- Attack by hydroxide ion: The hydroxide ion attacks the carbonyl carbon of chloral, forming a tetrahedral intermediate.
- Strong electron-withdrawing effect: CCl3 group exerts a strong (-I) effect, making the carbonyl carbon highly electrophilic.
- Preferential C–C bond cleavage: Instead of undergoing the usual hydride-transfer pathway of the Cannizzaro reaction, the intermediate undergoes C–C bond cleavage, producing chloroform and formate.
