Chemguide: Support for CIE A level Chemistry

33.1: Carboxylic acids

Learning outcome 33.1.1

This statement is about the formation of benzoic acid by the oxidation of an alkylbenzene - a benzene ring with an alkyl group attached. The syllabus statement tells you virtually all you need to know.

You will find details at the bottom of the page assorted reactions of benzene and methylbenzene.

If you are asked about this, the addition of the sulfuric acid at the end is essential because otherwise you are producing sodium benzoate rather than benzoic acid.

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