Question

Complete each synthesis by giving missing starting material, reagent, or products: (I) \(\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_3 + \text{KMnO}_4, \text{KOH} \longrightarrow \text{?}\)

Hint:

Potassium permanganate is a strong oxidizing agent and is effective for oxidizing alkyl groups to carboxylic acids.

Answer 1

Oxidation of ethylbenzene (\(\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_3\)) by potassium permanganate (\(\text{KMnO}_4\)) in the presence of potassium hydroxide (\(\text{KOH}\)) transforms the methyl group into a carboxyl group, resulting in the formation of acetic acid (\(\text{CH}_3\text{COOH}\)).