Which among the following is obtained as a product when phenol is treated with $NaOH$ and $CO_2$ followed by acid hydrolysis?

$Phenol$ $\xrightarrow[Distillation]{Zn} A$ $\xrightarrow[Conc. H_2SO_4]{Conc. HNO_3} B$ $\xrightarrow[NaOH]{Zn} C$
In the above reaction,$A$,$B$,and $C$ are the following compounds:

Some compounds and their $pK_a$ values are given. Arrange them in decreasing order of their acidic strength.
$(i)$ Ethanol $(15.9)$,Phenol $(10.0)$,Cresol $(10.1)$,Water $(15.7)$
$(ii)$ $o$-Nitrophenol $(7.2)$,$m$-Nitrophenol $(8.3)$,Ethanol $(15.9)$,Water $(15.7)$,Phenol $(10.0)$

The correct order of boiling point for the given compounds is:

Give the conversion of phenol to salicylic acid.

The product $(B)$ will be: