Question:

Which of the following does not form benzoic acid on oxidation with alkaline \(KMnO_4\) followed by acidification?

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Benzylic hydrogen is essential for side-chain oxidation of alkyl benzenes using \(KMnO_4\).
Updated On: Aug 13, 2026
  • 1-phenylpropane
  • 2-phenylpropane
  • Acetophenone
  • 2-methyl-2-phenylpropane
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Concept: Alkaline \(KMnO_4\) oxidizes alkyl side chains of benzene to \(-COOH\) group only if at least one benzylic hydrogen is present.

Step 1: Check benzylic hydrogen presence.
(A) 1-phenylpropane (\(Ph-CH_2-CH_2-CH_3\)) → has benzylic H → forms benzoic acid.
(B) 2-phenylpropane (\(Ph-CH(CH_3)_2\)) → has benzylic H → forms benzoic acid.
(C) Acetophenone (\(Ph-CO-CH_3\)) → side chain oxidizes to benzoic acid.
(D) 2-methyl-2-phenylpropane (\(Ph-C(CH_3)_3\)) → no benzylic hydrogen → no oxidation to benzoic acid.

Step 2: Conclusion.
Only (D) does not form benzoic acid. \[ \boxed{\text{2-methyl-2-phenylpropane}} \]
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