Observe the reaction sequence provided in the diagram. Identify the final major product B .

Step-by-step solution

The starting material is p-tert-butyltoluene. In the first step, the reaction with alkaline KMnO₄ followed by acidification ( H₃O^+ ) is an oxidation of alkylbenzenes. Alkyl groups attached to a benzene ring that possess at least one benzylic hydrogen are oxidized to a carboxylic acid ( -COOH ) group. The methyl group ( -CH₃ ) has three benzylic hydrogens and is oxidized to a -COOH group. The tert-butyl group ( -C(CH₃)₃ ) lacks benzylic hydrogens and is resistant to oxidation. Therefore, product A is p-tert-butylbe