The powers that be have decided that the oxidation reaction using Cr(VI) is now too dangerous for our school students to carry out, and have proposed to replace this reaction with the oxidation of phenylmethanol (benzyl alcohol) to benzoic acid. Some details about this reaction are below.* Oxidation of Phenylmethanol Procedure Phenylmethanol (1 mL) is added to a 100 mL conical flask. A solution of potassium permanganate (25 mL, 0.2 M) and sodium carbonate (0.5 g) are added and the solution heated at about 60 °C for 20 minutes on a water bath. The solution turns brown on heating. After…