Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution
Potassium permanganate does not oxidize the benzene ring. However, under vigorous conditions, the alkyl side chain is totally oxidized to produce a carboxylic acid at the site of the alkyl group.
What happens when you add KMnO4 to benzene?
Description: Treatment of an alkylbenzene with potassium permanganate results in oxidation to give the benzoic acid. Notes: The position directly adjacent to an aromatic group is called the “benzylic” position. The reaction only works if there is a hydrogen attached to the carbon.
Can benzene react with alkaline KMnO4?
Benzene(C6H6) does not react with alkaline KMnO4, however alkylarenes react when there are benzylic hydrogens.
