How do you account for the following observations ?
Though alkaline potassium permanganate and acidic potassium permanganate both are used as oxidants, yet in the manufacture of benzoic acid from toluene we use alcoholic potassium permanganate as an oxidant. Why? Write a balanced redox equation for the reaction.

Explanation

### Step-by-Step Solution

**Step 1: Understanding the Oxidants**
- Both alkaline potassium permanganate (KMnO4) and acidic potassium permanganate are strong oxidizing agents. However, the choice of oxidant in the synthesis of benzoic acid from toluene is crucial.

**Step 2: Reaction Medium**
- The reaction of toluene with potassium permanganate occurs in a neutral medium. In this medium, hydroxide ions (OH⁻) are produced.

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