Consider the following reaction
Phenol `overset(Zn)underset("dust")rarr X overset(CH_(3)Cl)underset(underset(AlCl_(3))("Anhydrous"))rarr Y overset("Alkaline")underset(KMnO_(4))rarrZ`
The product Z is

Options

A. benzaldehyde
B. benzoic acid
C. benzene
D. toluene .

Explanation

To solve the given problem step by step, we will analyze each reaction involved in the transformation of phenol to product Z.

### Step 1: Reaction of Phenol with Zinc Dust
- **Reaction**: Phenol reacts with zinc dust.
- **Product (X)**: The reaction reduces phenol to benzene and produces zinc oxide as a byproduct.
- **Equation**:
\[ \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{OH} + \text{Zn} \rightarrow \text{C}_6\text{H}_6 + \text{ZnO} \]
- **Conclusion**: The product X is benzene (C₆H₆).

### Step 2: Reaction of Benzene with Methyl Chloride
- **Reaction**: Benzene (X) reacts with methyl chloride (CH₃Cl) in the presence of anhydrous AlCl₃.
- **Product (Y)**: This is a Friedel-Crafts alkylation reaction, where the methyl group from CH₃Cl substitutes one of the hydrogen atoms on the benzene ring.
- **Equation**:
\[ \text{C}_6\text{H}_6 + \text{CH}_3\text{Cl} \xrightarrow{\text{AlCl}_3} \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{CH}_3 \]
- **Conclusion**: The product Y is toluene (C₆H₅CH₃).

### Step 3: Oxidation of Toluene
- **Reaction**: Toluene (Y) reacts with alkaline KMnO₄.
- **Product (Z)**: KMnO₄ is a strong oxidizing agent and will oxidize the methyl group of toluene to a carboxylic acid, resulting in benzoic acid.
- **Equation**:
\[ \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{CH}_3 + \text{KMnO}_4 \rightarrow \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{COOH} \]
- **Conclusion**: The product Z is benzoic acid (C₆H₅COOH).

### Final Answer
The product Z is **benzoic acid (C₆H₅COOH)**.

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