The given transformation involves the oxidation of an alkyl side chain (–CH(CH$_3$)$_2$) on a benzene ring to a carboxylic acid group (–COOH). This type of oxidation is best carried out using strong oxidizing agents like potassium permanganate (KMnO$_4$) under basic conditions followed by acidification.
KMnO$_4$ oxidizes all benzylic alkyl groups (regardless of their length or branching) to benzoic acid, as long as there is at least one benzylic hydrogen.
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Approach Solution -2
To determine the suitable reagent for this reaction:
Step 1: Identify the reactant and product.
Reactant: *p*-xylene (1,4-dimethylbenzene)
Product: *p*-toluic acid (benzene ring with one COOH group at the para position)
Step 2: Understand the transformation.
The methyl group (–CH₃) attached to the benzene ring is oxidized to a carboxylic acid group (–COOH).
Step 3: Choose an appropriate oxidizing agent.
Potassium permanganate in basic medium (KMnO₄/KOH) followed by acidification (H₃O⁺) is a strong oxidizing agent that can oxidize alkyl side chains on aromatic rings to carboxylic acids.
Therefore, the suitable reagent to carry out this reaction is:
\[
\boxed{\text{KMnO}_4/\text{KOH, H}_3\text{O}^+}
\]
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