Explain why the malonic ester synthesis can not be used to produce the following carboxylic acid.

• A. The reaction occurs with straight-chain alkyl halides only. Since the alkyl halide required to produce the given carboxylic acid has a cyclic structure, it can not be used to produce the given carboxylic acid.
• B. The reaction involves the S_N2 attack of an enolate to the alkyl halide. Since the alkyl halide required to produce the given carboxylic acid is very hindered, it can not undergo an S_N2 reaction.
• C. The reaction can produce aromatic carboxylic acids only. Since the given carboxylic acid is not aromatic, it can not be prepared using this reaction.
• D. None of these.

Answer: (B)