An organic compound " x " where molar ratio of C, O and H are equal, on treatment with 50 % KOH under reflux followed by acidification produced " y ". The most likely structure of " y " is: [Molar mass of ' x ' is 58 g mol ⁻¹ ]

Step-by-step solution

Given the molar ratio of C, O, and H in compound x is equal, the empirical formula is CHO . Empirical mass = 12 + 1 + 16 = 29 g mol ⁻¹ . Since the molar mass of x is 58 g mol ⁻¹ , the molecular formula is (CHO)₂ or C₂H₂O₂ . The structure of x is glyoxal, OHC-CHO . Treatment of glyoxal with 50 % KOH under reflux results in an intramolecular Cannizzaro reaction. One aldehyde group is oxidized to a carboxylate ion, and the other is reduced to a primary alcohol. OHC-CHO 50 % KOH HOCH₂-COO⁻K⁺ Subsequent acidification yi