\( p \)-cresol reacts with chloroform in alkaline medium to give the compound A which adds hydrogen cyanide to form the compound B. The latter on acidic hydrolysis gives chiral carboxylic acid. The structure of the carboxylic acid is:
Show Hint
The reaction of phenols with chloroform in alkaline conditions followed by hydrolysis leads to the formation of chiral carboxylic acids.
Step 1: \( p \)-cresol reacts with chloroform in alkaline medium to form a cyano compound. Step 2: The final product after hydrolysis gives a chiral carboxylic acid. The structure of the carboxylic acid is \( \text{CH}_3\text{C}(\text{OH})\text{COOH} \).
Final Answer:
\[
\boxed{\text{CH}_3\text{C}(\text{OH})\text{COOH}}
\]