In the reaction
`C_(6)H_(5)CHO+(CH_(3)CO)_(2)Ooverset(CH_(3)COONa)rarrA`. Product A is

Options

A. acetaldehyde
B. cinnamic acid
C. `beta-` naphthol
D. phenol

Explanation

To solve the question regarding the reaction of benzaldehyde (C₆H₅CHO) with acetic anhydride ((CH₃CO)₂O) in the presence of sodium acetate (CH₃COONa), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Reactants
We have two reactants:
1. Benzaldehyde (C₆H₅CHO)
2. Acetic anhydride ((CH₃CO)₂O)

### Step 2: Understand the Role of Sodium Acetate
Sodium acetate (CH₃COONa) acts as a catalyst in this reaction. It helps in the formation of the product by facilitating the reaction between benzaldehyde and acetic anhydride.

### Step 3: Reaction Mechanism
When benzaldehyde reacts with acetic anhydride, the carbonyl group (C=O) of the anhydride can react with the aldehyde. The reaction proceeds through the formation of an intermediate that involves the removal of a water molecule (dehydration).

### Step 4: Formation of the Intermediate
The reaction can be represented as:
- The carbonyl carbon of the acetic anhydride attacks the carbon of the aldehyde, leading to the formation of a β-keto acid intermediate. This step involves the removal of a water molecule (H₂O).

### Step 5: Final Product Formation
Upon heating (boiling) the intermediate in the presence of water, the structure rearranges, and we end up with the final product, which is:
- **Cinnamic acid (C₆H₅CH=CHCOOH)**

### Conclusion
The product A formed from the reaction of benzaldehyde with acetic anhydride in the presence of sodium acetate is **cinnamic acid**.