Compound A having the molecular formula C_(2)H_(4)O reduces Tollen's reagent. A on treatment with HCN followed by hydrolysis gives the compound B with molecular formula C_(3)H_(6)O_(3). Compound B on oxidation by Fenton's reagent gives the compound C with the molecular formula C_(3)H_(4)O_(3). Find A, B and C. Explain the reactions.

Compound A having the molecular formula C_(2)H_(4)O reduces Tollen's r

1.	Compound A having the molecular formula C_(2)H_(4)O reduces Tollen's reagent. A on treatment with HCN followed by hydrolysis gives the compound B with molecular formula C_(3)H_(6)O_(3). Compound B on oxidation by Fenton's reagent gives the compound C with the molecular formula C_(3)H_(4)O_(3). Find A, B and C. Explain the reactions.
Answer» Solution :(i) Compound (A) reduces Tollen's reagent. So it must be an aldehyde. From the MOLECULAR formula (A) is identified as `CH_(3)CHO` Acetaldehyde. `underset((A))(CH_(3)CHO)+underset("Tollen's reagentSilver mirror")(Ag_(2)Oto2Ag+CH_(3)COOH)` (ii) Acetaldehyde ontreatment with HCN followed byhydrolysis give lactic acid compound (B). `underset((A))(CH_(3)-underset(O)underset(\|\|)(C)-H)+HCNtoCH_(3)-underset(OH)underset(\|)OVERSET(H)overset(\|)(C)-CNoverset(HCN)tounderset((B))(CH_(3)-underset(OH)underset(\|)overset(H)overset(\|)(C)-COOH)` (iii) Lactic acid on oxidation with Fenton's reagent gives pyruvic acid as compound (C). `CH_(3)-underset(OH)underset(\|)(CH)-COOHunderset(FeSO_(4)//H_(2)O_(2))overset((O))tounderset((C))(CH_(3)-underset(O)underset(\|\|)(C)-COOH)+H_(2)O`