Which of the following gives benzoic acid on oxidation `:`

Options

A. Chlorophenol
B. Chlorotoluene
C. Chlorobenzene
D. Benzyl chloride

Answer

To determine which compound gives benzoic acid upon oxidation, we need to analyze the oxidation reactions of different compounds. Here’s a step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Identify the Compounds
We need to identify the compounds that we are considering for oxidation. Common candidates that can lead to benzoic acid upon oxidation include benzyl alcohol, benzaldehyde, and certain chlorinated compounds.

### Step 2: Understand the Oxidation Process
The oxidation of alcohols typically leads to aldehydes and then to carboxylic acids. Specifically, benzyl alcohol (C6H5CH2OH) can be oxidized to benzaldehyde (C6H5CHO) and then further oxidized to benzoic acid (C6H5COOH).

### Step 3: Reaction with Aqueous KOH
If we have a chlorinated compound, such as benzyl chloride (C6H5CH2Cl), it can react with aqueous KOH. The reaction would involve nucleophilic substitution where the chloride ion is replaced by a hydroxyl group, yielding benzyl alcohol:
\[ \text{C6H5CH2Cl} + \text{KOH} \rightarrow \text{C6H5CH2OH} + \text{HCl} \]

### Step 4: Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohol
Once we have benzyl alcohol, we can oxidize it using an oxidizing agent such as potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) in dilute sulfuric acid (H2SO4). The oxidation of benzyl alcohol will first convert it to benzaldehyde:
\[ \text{C6H5CH2OH} \xrightarrow{\text{K2Cr2O7, H2SO4}} \text{C6H5CHO} \]

### Step 5: Further Oxidation to Benzoic Acid
The benzaldehyde can then be further oxidized to benzoic acid:
\[ \text{C6H5CHO} \xrightarrow{\text{K2Cr2O7, H2SO4}} \text{C6H5COOH} \]

### Conclusion
Thus, the compound that gives benzoic acid upon oxidation is benzyl alcohol, which can be derived from benzyl chloride through the reaction with KOH.

### Final Answer
The correct option that gives benzoic acid upon oxidation is benzyl chloride.

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