To convert benzyl alcohol to benzoic acid, we need to consider the oxidation of the alcohol group to a carboxylic acid group. This can be achieved by using the appropriate oxidizing agent.



There are several reagents that can be used for the oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzoic acid. Some of the commonly used oxidizing agents are:

1. Chromic acid (H2CrO4): Chromic acid is a strong oxidizing agent that can convert primary and secondary alcohols to their corresponding carboxylic acids. In the case of benzyl alcohol, chromic acid can be used to oxidize the alcohol group to a carboxylic acid group, giving benzoic acid as the product.

2. Pyridinium chlorochromate (PCC): PCC is a milder oxidizing agent compared to chromic acid. It selectively oxidizes primary alcohols to aldehydes without further oxidation to carboxylic acids. However, in the presence of excess PCC or prolonged reaction time, PCC can also oxidize primary alcohols to carboxylic acids. Therefore, PCC can be used to selectively convert benzyl alcohol to benzoic acid.

3. Jones reagent (CrO3/H2SO4): Jones reagent is a mixture of chromic acid and sulfuric acid. It is a strong oxidizing agent that can convert primary and secondary alcohols to their corresponding carboxylic acids. Jones reagent can be used to oxidize benzyl alcohol to benzoic acid.

4. Potassium permanganate (KMnO4): Potassium permanganate is another strong oxidizing agent that can convert primary and secondary alcohols to their corresponding carboxylic acids. However, KMnO4 is a less commonly used oxidizing agent for the oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzoic acid.

5. Sodium dichromate (Na2Cr2O7): Sodium dichromate is a strong oxidizing agent that can convert primary and secondary alcohols to their corresponding carboxylic acids. It can be used to oxidize benzyl alcohol to benzoic acid.

It is important to note that the choice of oxidizing agent may depend on factors such as the reaction conditions, desired selectivity, and availability of reagents. Therefore, it is recommended to consult literature or a chemistry textbook for specific reaction conditions and precautions while performing the conversion.