Question

Acetophenone with kmno4/oh- at high temperature

Answer 1

No reaction

Answer 2

Solution:

Acetophenone is given by the structure

$$\text{PhCOCH}_3$$

For oxidation of alkyl side‐chains on an aromatic ring with $\text{KMnO}_4/\text{OH}^-$, the key requirement is the presence of at least one benzylic hydrogen (i.e. a hydrogen on the carbon directly attached to the benzene ring).

In acetophenone, the group attached to the benzene ring is the carbonyl (CO) group. This carbon is $sp^2$ hybridized and has no hydrogen. The methyl group (–CH₃) attached to the carbonyl is not directly linked to the benzene ring and thus cannot undergo the benzylic oxidation process.

Therefore, acetophenone does not react (i.e. does not get oxidized) under these conditions.

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Summary:

• Core Explanation: Oxidation by KMnO₄/OH⁻ requires a benzylic hydrogen. In acetophenone, the benzene ring is attached to the carbonyl group (which lacks a hydrogen), so no oxidation occurs.
• Answer: No oxidation – acetophenone remains unaltered.