An organic compound 'A' with molecular formula C ₆ H ₁₂ O ₃ gives a positive Tollen's test but a negative iodoform test. Upon treatment with dilute aqueous acid, it undergoes hydrolysis to produce compound 'B'. Compound 'B' gives both a positive Tollen's test and a positive iodoform test. The structure of compound 'A' is :

Step-by-step solution

Compound 'A' gives a positive Tollen's test, which indicates the presence of a free aldehyde ( - CHO ) group. It gives a negative iodoform test, meaning it does not contain a free methyl ketone ( CH ₃- CO - ) group. Upon acid hydrolysis, it forms compound 'B' which gives both tests. This implies that 'B' contains both an aldehyde and a methyl ketone group. Therefore, in compound 'A', the methyl ketone group must be protected as a ketal, while the aldehyde group remains free. Since the molecular formula is C ₆ H ₁₂