What product is obtained when ethylbenzene is oxidised with alkaline KMnO₄?
Answer: Benzoic acid (after acidification) — the whole side-chain oxidises to –COOH.
Solution
Alkaline KMnO oxidises any alkyl side-chain to the ring-attached carboxyl:
CBSE Class 12 Board · 2001 · All India Compartment · Subjective