MHT CET202525 Apr 2025Evening ShiftChemistryHydrocarbonsActual
Identify the product formed in the following reaction. C ₆ H ₅- CH ₂- CH ₃ [ ii) H ₃ O ⁺] i) alk. KMnO ₄ Product
Options
- AC ₆ H ₅- CH ₂- COOH
- BC ₆ H ₅ CH ₂- CH ₂- COOH
- CC ₆ H ₅- OH
- DC ₆ H ₅- COOH
Correct answer
D. C ₆ H ₅- COOH
Step-by-step solution
The oxidation of ethylbenzene C ₆ H ₅ CH ₂ CH ₃ with strong oxidizing agents proceeds via benzylic oxidation, converting the entire alkyl chain to a carboxylic acid group. Alkaline KMnO ₄ oxidizes the benzylic carbon to a carboxylate salt, yielding potassium benzoate C ₆ H ₅ COO ^- K ^+ . Subsequent acidification with H ₃ O ⁺ produces benzoic acid C ₆ H ₅ COOH . The product is unequivocally benzoic acid, corresponding to option D. D