Question

An organic compound [A] which has characteristic odour, reacts with conc. NaOH to give two compounds [B] and [C]. Compound [B] has molecular formula C₇H₈O which upon oxidation gives back compound [A]. Compound [C] is the sodium salt of the acid and upon treatment with sodalime yields an aromatic hydrocarbon [D]. Identify the compounds [A], [B], [C] and [D].

Answer 1

[A] = C₆H₅CHO [B] = C₆H₅CH₂OH [C] = C₆H₅COONa [D] = C₆H₆