Consider the following reaction sequence starting from 4-nitrotoluene. Identify the final major product 'C'.

Step-by-step solution

Starting from 4-nitrotoluene: Oxidation with KMnO₄, H^+ and heat converts the -CH₃ group to a -COOH group, forming 4-nitrobenzoic acid. Reaction with SOCl₂ converts the carboxylic acid to an acid chloride, forming 4-nitrobenzoyl chloride. Treatment with NH₃ yields 4-nitrobenzamide (Product A). Product A undergoes Hoffmann bromamide degradation with Br₂ / KOH to form a primary amine with one less carbon atom, yielding 4-nitroaniline (Product B). Diazotization of Product B with NaNO₂ and HCl at 273-278 K converts the