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stratz
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Homework Statement
Identify the reagents you would use to perform the following transformation:
Toluene -> Benzoic acid
Homework Equations
N/A
The Attempt at a Solution
I'm not exactly sure how I solve this type of thing. I was considering reacting this with an ordinary oxidizing agent, but apparently KMnO4 is used specifically. But why exactly is that? It seems that our textbook wants to take these things at face-value simply by telling us that this type of reagent is used, then proceeds to give problems containing reactants that are not covered in its explanation of the chapter. So I'm wondering if you could help me with learning how to figure these out.