Question:

Show how each of the following compounds can be converted to benzoic acid: (I) Acetophenone; (II) Ethyl benzene.

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Benzoic acid is C 6 H 5 COOH.
Updated On: Jun 16, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Concept: Benzoic acid is C6H5COOH. Any alkyl or acyl side chain attached to a benzene ring that has at least one benzylic hydrogen (or a keto group on the ring) can be oxidised down to a single -COOH group attached to the ring. Strong oxidising agents do this.
Answer:
(I) Acetophenone (C6H5-CO-CH3): On strong oxidation with alkaline KMnO4 followed by acidification (H3O+), the -CO-CH3 side chain is oxidised and the extra carbons are lost, giving benzoic acid C6H5-COOH.
(II) Ethyl benzene (C6H5-CH2-CH3): The whole ethyl side chain is oxidised by hot alkaline KMnO4 (then acidified). Because the carbon attached to the ring has benzylic hydrogens, the entire side chain is converted to a single -COOH group, giving benzoic acid C6H5-COOH.
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