o-xylene when oxidised in presence of air and `(CH_(3)"COO")_(2)` Mn eatalyst gives which of the following product ?

Options

A. Benzoic acid
B. Phenyl acetic acid
C. Phthalic acid
D. Acetic acid

Explanation

To solve the problem of what product is formed when o-xylene is oxidized in the presence of air and a manganese acetate catalyst, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Structure of o-Xylene
o-Xylene is a dimethylbenzene where two methyl groups (-CH₃) are attached to the benzene ring at the 1 and 2 positions (ortho position). Its structure can be represented as follows:

```
CH3
|
C6H4--C--CH3
```

### Step 2: Identify the Oxidation Process
When o-xylene is oxidized, the methyl groups are converted into carboxylic acid groups (-COOH). This oxidation typically occurs under high temperatures and pressures in the presence of an oxidizing agent.

### Step 3: Set the Reaction Conditions
The reaction conditions provided are:
- Temperature: 175 to 225 degrees Celsius
- Pressure: 15 to 30 atm of O₂
- Catalyst: Manganese acetate (CH₃COO)₂Mn

### Step 4: Predict the Products
Under these conditions, both methyl groups of o-xylene will be oxidized to form carboxylic acid groups. Therefore, the product will be phthalic acid, which is a 1,2-dicarboxylic acid. The structure of phthalic acid is:

```
COOH
|
C6H4--C--COOH
```

### Step 5: Conclusion
The final product of the oxidation of o-xylene under the given conditions is phthalic acid.

Thus, the correct answer is **phthalic acid**.

---