Step 1: Analyze the reaction steps.
The reaction involves chloroform and p-cresol to form a product that undergoes further reactions, leading to a chiral carboxylic acid.
Step 2: Conclusion.
Thus, the carboxylic acid has the structure \( \text{CH}_3 \text{C} (\text{OH}) \text{COOH} \).
Final Answer:
\[
\boxed{\text{CH}_3 \text{C} (\text{OH}) \text{COOH}}
\]