Given below are two statements: Statement-I : Oxidation of p -nitrotoluene with acidic KMn O₄ gives an acid that is stronger than benzoic acid. Statement-II : Reduction of p -nitrotoluene with Sn/HCl followed by neutralization gives an amine that is more basic than aniline. In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Step-by-step solution

Oxidation of p -nitrotoluene with acidic KMnO ₄ oxidizes the methyl group to a carboxylic acid group, yielding p -nitrobenzoic acid. The - NO ₂ group is an electron-withdrawing group ( -I and -M effects), which stabilizes the conjugate base (carboxylate ion). Hence, p -nitrobenzoic acid is a stronger acid than benzoic acid. Statement-I is correct. Reduction of p -nitrotoluene with Sn / HCl reduces the nitro group to an amino group, yielding p -toluidine ( p -methylaniline). The - CH ₃ group is an electron-donating