Step 1: Concept
Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is synthesized by the acetylation of salicylic acid.
Step 2: Reaction Equation
Salicylic acid + $(CH_3CO)_2O \xrightarrow{H^+} \text{Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin)} + CH_3COOH$.
Step 3: Analysis
The reactant 'A' must provide the salicylate framework.
Step 4: Conclusion
Hence, A is Salicylic acid.
Final Answer:(C)