Question:

Vigorous oxidation of n-propylbenzene with alkaline potassium permanganate ($\mathrm{KMnO_4/KOH/\Delta}$) followed by hydrolysis gives

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Strong oxidation rule: - Any alkyl benzene $\rightarrow$ benzoic acid (if benzylic H is present)
Updated On: Apr 30, 2026
  • phenol
  • phenyl acetic acid
  • phenyl propionic acid
  • benzaldehyde
  • benzoic acid
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Solution and Explanation

Concept: Strong oxidizing agents like $\mathrm{KMnO_4}$ oxidize any alkyl side chain attached to a benzene ring to a carboxylic acid group, provided there is at least one benzylic hydrogen.

Step 1:
Identify substrate.
n-propylbenzene has a side chain with benzylic hydrogen.

Step 2:
Oxidation effect.
Entire side chain is oxidized to $\mathrm{-COOH}$ regardless of length: \[ \mathrm{C_6H_5CH_2CH_2CH_3 \xrightarrow{KMnO_4/KOH,\ \Delta} C_6H_5COOH} \]

Step 3:
Product formed.
\[ \text{Benzoic acid} \]
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