1. Compound A, C6H10O2, is optically active. It dissolves slowly in aqueous NaOH, consuming one equivalent of base. When the solution is acidified, A is slowly regenerated.
When A is treated with LiAlH4, followed by an acid workup, compound B is formed. B is optically inactive, and reacts with acetic anhydride to give the acetate diester C. B is oxidized by aqueous chromic acid to give 3-methylpentanedioic acid.
Give the structures of A, B, and C.