Which of the following alkylbenzenes will completely resist side-chain oxidation when refluxed with — Aromatic Hydrocarbons Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Side-chain oxidation by $KMnO_4$ strictly requires the presence of at least one benzylic $C-H$ bond to initiate cleavage. Since t-butylbenzene has a fully substituted benzylic carbon (no hydrogens), it undergoes no reaction.