Step 1: Understanding the Concept
Alkaline \(\text{KMnO}_4\) on heating oxidises any alkyl side chain having a benzylic hydrogen to a carboxylate group, whatever the length of the chain.
Step 2: Apply to cumene
Cumene has an isopropyl group with one benzylic hydrogen.
Oxidation gives potassium benzoate \(\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{COOK}\) as A.
Step 3: Acidification
Treating A with \(\text{H}_3\text{O}^{+}\) liberates \(\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{COOH}\), so B is benzoic acid.
Final Answer:
Product B is benzoic acid.
\[ \boxed{\text{(D) }\text{Benzoic acid}} \]