The sequence is a base-promoted aldol reaction followed by acid work-up and heating. The first step joins the two carbonyl partners to give the β-hydroxy carbonyl compound as product A. On warming with acid this β-hydroxy carbonyl loses water, and because the new double bond falls into conjugation with the carbonyl the dehydration is favourable; the resulting α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compound is product B. These are the structures shown.
JEE Main · 2019 · 12 Jan 2019 · Shift 1 · Single correct option