The compound A, C₈H₈O₂$\text{C}_8\text{H}_8\text{O}_2$ reacts with acetophenone to form a single product via cross-Aldol condensation. The compound A on reaction with conc. NaOH forms a substituted benzyl alcohol as

Core Logic

The given reactant is p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, which contains both a phenolic -OH$-OH$ group (acidic) and an aldehyde group (electrophilic).

When one equivalent of Grignard reagent (PhMgBr$PhMgBr$) is added, it behaves primarily as a strong base due to the presence of an acidic proton. Acid-base reactions are extremely fast compared to nucleophilic additions.

The acidic phenolic -OH$-OH$ reacts with PhMgBr$PhMgBr$:

Upon workup with aq. NH₄Cl$aq. NH_4Cl$, the phenoxide ion simply regenerates the starting p-hydroxybenzaldehyde. However, the question asks for the number of hydroxyl groups present in the formed product (Benzene).

The distinct product formed in the reaction is Benzene. Benzene has 0 hydroxyl groups.

Pattern Recognition

Whenever a Grignard reagent encounters a molecule with an acidic hydrogen (alcohol, phenol, amine, alkyne), it will invariably act as a base first. If only 1 equivalent is used, nucleophilic addition to carbonyls will NOT happen.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Chemistry: Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids Class 12 Chemistry: Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers