Detailed Summary
Carboxylic acids can be synthesized from alkylbenzenes by performing vigorous oxidation. This transformation typically utilizes chromic acid or potassium permanganate, both of which can completely oxidize the alkyl side chains attached to the benzene ring to carboxylic acid functionalities. While primary and secondary alkyl groups are fully converted to carboxyl groups, tertiary groups do not undergo this oxidation due to steric hindrance. This section critically discusses the relevance of these oxidation methods in the wider context of organic synthesis and their application in producing various aromatic carboxylic acids, thereby underlining the significance of functional group transformations in organic chemistry.