Question

Give the major organic products from the oxidation with KMnO4 for the following compounds. Assume an excess of KMnO4.

a) ethylbenzene
b) m-Xylene (1,3- dimethylbenzene)
c) 4-Propyl-3-t-butyltoluene

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

a ) Benzoic acid is formed . In any alkyl benzene derivative , potassium permanganate reacts to form carboxylic acid . It oxidises side chains to carboxylic acid .

C₆H₅CH₃ + 0 = C₆H₅COOH + H₂O

O is provided by KMnO₄

b ) In this reaction isophthalic acid is formed .

C₆H₄(CH₃)₂ +O = C₆H₄(COOH)₂

c)

4-Propyl-3-t-butyltoluene

In this oxidation , three side chains of ring are 1 ) 1-methyl 2 ) 3- butyl 3 ) 4 propyl .

The methyl and 4 - propyl groups are oxidised to di- carboxylic acid and 3 butyl group remains intact ( unoxidised )