Final answer:
The Pechmann condensation of resorcinol and ethyl acetoacetate proceeds through esterification, a condensation reaction in which an ester is formed from an alcohol and a carboxylic acid.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Pechmann condensation of resorcinol and ethyl acetoacetate proceeds through Esterification (option A).
Esterification is a condensation reaction in which an ester is formed from an alcohol (ethanol in this case) and a carboxylic acid (acetoacetic acid in this case).
The reaction is catalyzed by a strong acid, usually sulfuric acid, and involves the transfer of an acyl group from the carboxylic acid to the oxygen atom of the alcohol. As a result, a water molecule is produced as a byproduct.