Consider the following reaction :s
Phenol `underset(Zn "dust")to X underset("Anhydrous" AlCl_(3))overset(Ch_(3)Cl)to Y overset("Alkaline " KMnO_(4))to Z`.
The product Z is

Options

A. Toluene
B. Benzaldehyde
C. benzoic acid
D. Benzene

Explanation

To solve the given reaction sequence step by step, we will analyze each transformation starting from phenol.

**Step 1: Reaction of Phenol with Zinc Dust**
- **Reaction**: Phenol (C6H5OH) reacts with zinc dust (Zn).
- **Process**: Zinc dust acts as a reducing agent. It removes the hydroxyl (–OH) group from phenol, leading to the formation of benzene (C6H6).
- **Product X**: Benzene (C6H6).

**Step 2: Friedel-Crafts Reaction with Methyl Chloride**
- **Reaction**: Benzene (C6H6) reacts with methyl chloride (CH3Cl) in the presence of anhydrous aluminum chloride (AlCl3).
- **Process**: This is a Friedel-Crafts alkylation reaction where the methyl group from methyl chloride is introduced to the benzene ring, resulting in the formation of toluene (C6H5CH3).
- **Product Y**: Toluene (C6H5CH3).

**Step 3: Oxidation with Alkaline KMnO4**
- **Reaction**: Toluene (C6H5CH3) is treated with alkaline potassium permanganate (KMnO4).
- **Process**: Alkaline KMnO4 is a strong oxidizing agent that oxidizes the methyl group (–CH3) of toluene to a carboxylic acid group (–COOH), resulting in the formation of benzoic acid (C6H5COOH).
- **Product Z**: Benzoic acid (C6H5COOH).

**Final Answer**: The product Z is Benzoic Acid (C6H5COOH).

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