In the following reaction :

The compounds A and B respectively are

This question involves the cumene process, an industrial method for producing phenol and acetone.

Cumene is isopropylbenzene: $$C_6H_5CH(CH_3)_2$$. It reacts with $$O_2$$ to form cumene hydroperoxide: $$C_6H_5CH(CH_3)_2 + O_2 \rightarrow C_6H_5C(CH_3)_2{-}OOH$$, which under acid-catalyzed conditions ($$H^+/H_2O$$) decomposes to phenol and acetone: $$C_6H_5C(CH_3)_2{-}OOH \xrightarrow{H^+/H_2O} C_6H_5OH + CH_3COCH_3$$.

This process yields: $$\bullet$$ Compound A = Phenol ($$C_6H_5OH$$), $$\bullet$$ Compound B = Acetone ($$CH_3COCH_3$$).

Option A: Cresol and $$CH_3COOH$$ — Incorrect, since cresol (methylphenol) is not formed. Option B: Catechol and $$CH_3COCH_3$$ — Incorrect, as catechol is 1,2-dihydroxybenzene. Option C: Phenol and $$CH_3COCH_3$$ — Correct, these are the standard products of the cumene process. Option D: Hydroquinone and $$CH_3COCH_3$$ — Incorrect, as hydroquinone is 1,4-dihydroxybenzene.

The correct answer is Option C: Phenol and $$CH_3COCH_3$$.