Identify compound (B) in the following reaction sequence:

Step-by-step solution

The given reaction sequence involves two main steps: 1. Claisen-Schmidt Condensation (Crossed Aldol Condensation): The starting material is 1-indanone. In the presence of a base ( OH ⁻ ), it forms an enolate at the C₂ position because the methylene protons at C₂ are acidic (adjacent to the carbonyl group). This enolate attacks the carbonyl carbon of benzaldehyde ( C ₆ H ₅ CHO ). Upon heating ( ), dehydration occurs to form an , -unsaturated ketone. Thus, compound (A) is 2-benzylidene-1-indanone. 2. Wolff-Kishner Re