Pyruvic acid is obtained by

An alkyl bromide $X$ $(C_5H_{11}Br)$ undergoes hydrolysis in a two-step mechanism. $X$ is converted to a Grignard reagent and then reacted with $CO_2$ in dry ether followed by acidification to give $Y$. What is $Y$?

Describe the method for the preparation of carboxylic acids from nitrogen-containing compounds (nitriles) with suitable examples.

The reaction of toluene with acidic $KMnO_4$ gives ..........

Identify product $C$ in the following conversion sequence: $m$-Hydroxybenzaldehyde $\xrightarrow[\text{Protection of } -OH \text{ group}]{C_6H_5CH_2Cl} A$ $\xrightarrow{[O]} B$ $\xrightarrow{\text{deprotection}} C$.

In the reaction $R - X$ $\xrightarrow[\text{alcoholic}]{KCN} A$ $\xrightarrow[\Delta]{H_2O/H^\oplus} B$,product $(B)$ is