An organic compound A ( C ₆ H ₁₂ O ) gives a yellow precipitate with 2,4-DNP reagent but does not reduce Tollens' reagent. On drastic oxidation with concentrated HNO ₃ , it undergoes C-C bond cleavage. If the cleavage occurs symmetrically, it yields two molecules of a single carboxylic acid B. Compounds A and B, respectively, are:

Step-by-step solution

A positive 2,4-DNP test indicates that compound A is a carbonyl compound (aldehyde or ketone). A negative Tollens' test confirms that compound A is a ketone, as aldehydes are easily oxidized by Tollens' reagent. The molecular formula C ₆ H ₁₂ O corresponds to a saturated acyclic ketone. Drastic oxidation of ketones involves C-C bond cleavage. The fact that symmetrical cleavage yields two molecules of a single carboxylic acid implies the ketone itself must be symmetrical. The only symmetrical acyclic ketone with the