Complete reaction of acetaldehyde with excess formaldehyde, upon heating with conc. $\mathrm{NaOH}$ solution, gives $\mathbf{P}$ and $\mathbf{Q}$. Compound $\mathbf{P}$ does not give Tollens' test, whereas $\mathbf{Q}$ on acidification gives positive Tollens' test. Treatment of $\mathbf{P}$ with excess cyclohexanone in the presence of catalytic amount of $p$-toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA) gives product $\mathbf{R}$. Sum of the number of methylene groups $\left(-\mathrm{CH}_2-\right)$ and oxygen atoms in $\mathbf{R}$ is ________.

Solution

Total $\mathrm{CH}_2$ in $\mathrm{R}=14$ and oxygen in $\mathrm{R}=4$ So $14+4=18$

Hence, the correct answer is 18.