Aromatic side chain oxidation is an interesting reaction. Benzene is not easily oxidized, nor is an alkane.
However, when attached to a benzene ring the benzylic carbon is susceptible to a unique oxidation yielding a benzoic acid.
This video walks you through the reaction including what to look out for along with multiple practice problems.
(Watch on YouTube: Side Chain Oxidation. Click CC on bottom right for transcript.)
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This is video 11 in the Orgo Oxidation/Reduction Series. Click for complete series
Ready to test your redox skills? Try the Redox Practice Quiz and follow along with the Redox Cheat Sheet
