An organic compound is boiled with alcoholic potash. The product is cooled and acidified with HCl. A white solid separates out. The starting compound may be

Step-by-step solution

Ethyl benzoate is boiled with alc. potash to give ethyl alcohol and potassium benzoate. Potassium benzoate is converted into benzoic acid, a white solid which separates out. C ₆ H ₅ COOK + HCl C ₆ H ₅ COOH + KCl