Question

\( p \)-cresol reacts with chloroform in alkaline medium to give the compound A which adds hydrogen cyanide to form the compound B. The latter on acidic hydrolysis gives chiral carboxylic acid. The structure of the carboxylic acid is

• A. A
• B. B
• C. C
• D. D

Hint:

p-cresol reacts with chloroform in alkaline medium to form a compound that undergoes acidic hydrolysis to give a chiral carboxylic acid.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Analyze the reaction steps.
The reaction involves chloroform and p-cresol to form a product that undergoes further reactions, leading to a chiral carboxylic acid.
Step 2: Conclusion.
Thus, the carboxylic acid has the structure \( \text{CH}_3 \text{C} (\text{OH}) \text{COOH} \).
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{CH}_3 \text{C} (\text{OH}) \text{COOH}} \]