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.
\[
\boxed{\text{2-methyl-2-phenylpropane}}
\]