Step 1: Understanding the Concept
This is the Kolbe-Schmitt reaction, which carboxylates the ortho position of a phenoxide ion.
Step 2: Reaction
\(\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{ONa}+\text{CO}_2\xrightarrow{398\text{ K},\,6\text{ atm}}\text{sodium salicylate}\xrightarrow{\text{H}_3\text{O}^+}\text{salicylic acid}\)
Step 3: Result
The substrate A is sodium phenoxide, option (B).
Final Answer:
Substrate A is sodium phenoxide.
\[ \boxed{\text{(B) }\text{Sodium phenoxide}} \]