Electrolytic reduction of oxalic acid produces :

Options

A. Succinic acid
B. Glycollic acid
C. Glycol
D. Glutaric acid

Explanation

To solve the question regarding the electrolytic reduction of oxalic acid, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Structure of Oxalic Acid
Oxalic acid has the chemical formula C₂H₂O₄. Its structure can be represented as:
\[ \text{HOOC-COOH} \]
This means it has two carboxylic acid groups (-COOH).

### Step 2: Know the Process of Electrolytic Reduction
Electrolytic reduction involves the application of electrical energy to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction. In the case of oxalic acid, the reduction process will convert one of the carboxylic acid groups into an alcohol.

### Step 3: Identify the Product of Reduction
When oxalic acid undergoes electrolytic reduction, one of the carboxylic acid groups is reduced to an alcohol group (-OH). This conversion leads to the formation of glycolic acid, which has the structure:
\[ \text{HO-CH₂-COOH} \]
This shows that one -COOH group has been converted to -CH₂OH.

### Step 4: Conclusion
Thus, the electrolytic reduction of oxalic acid produces glycolic acid. Therefore, the correct answer is:
**Glycolic acid (Option B)**.