C7H8 + 6 KMnO4 + 7 KOH → C6H5COOK + 6 K2MnO4 + 5 H2O

This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:

6MnVII+6e-→6MnVI(reduction)

6C-8/7-6/7e-→6C-I(oxidation)

C-8/7-36/7e-→CIV(oxidation)

KMnO4 is an oxidizing agent, C7H8 is a reducing agent, C7H8 is a reducing agent.

Reactants:

• C7H8 – Toluene , Methyl benzene
  • Other names: Phenyl methane , Toluol , Anisen ... show more1-methylbenzene , Methylbenzol , Phenylmethane , Toluen , Phenyl-Methane , Methylbenzene, 9CI , Monomethyl benzene , Methyl-Benzene , Methylbenzene , Methyl benzol show less
  • Appearance: Colorless liquid ; Colourless liquid with characteristic odour ; Colorless liquid with a sweet, pungent, benzene-like odor.
• KMnO4 – Potassium manganate(VII)
  • Other names: Potassium permanganate , Chameleon mineral , Condy's crystals ... show morePermanganate of potash Hypermangan , Permanganic acid potassium salt show less
  • Appearance: Purplish-bronze-gray needles | magenta–rose in solution ; Dark purple crystals
• KOH – Potassium hydroxide
  • Other names: Caustic potash , Lye , Potash lye ... show morePotassia , Potassium hydrate , KOH , E525 , Potassium lye , Lye [Potassium hydroxide] show less
  • Appearance: White solid, deliquescent ; White hygroscopic solid in various forms ; Odorless, white or slightly yellow lumps, rods, flakes, sticks, or pellets. [Note: May be used as an aqueous solution.]

Products:

• C6H5COOK
• K2MnO4 – Potassium manganate(VI)
  • Other names: Potassium manganate
  • Appearance: Green crystals (darkening with time)
• H2O – Water, oxidane
  • Other names: Water (H2O) , Hydrogen hydroxide (HH or HOH) , Hydrogen oxide ... show moreDihydrogen monoxide (DHMO) (systematic name) , Hydrogen monoxide , Dihydrogen oxide , Hydric acid , Hydrohydroxic acid , Hydroxic acid , Hydrol , Μ-oxido dihydrogen , Κ1-hydroxyl hydrogen(0) show less
  • Appearance: White crystalline solid, almost colorless liquid with a hint of blue, colorless gas