A compound (X) containing C, H, and O is unreactive towards sodium. It also does not react with Schiff's reagent. On refluxing with an excess of hydroiodic acid. (X) yields only one organic product (Y). On hydrolysis, (Y) yields a new compound (Z) which can be converted into (Y) by reaction with red phosphorous and iodine. The compound (Z) on oxidation with potassium permanganate gives a carboxylic acid. The equivalent weight of this acid is 60.