This is what I want to do:
![](https://www.chemicalforums.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FP6NEYMO.png&hash=836fe182523bb1f91ebe7c7b11da02eb8a928944)
I know that I can transform CH3 group to COOH oxidating with KMnO4, but if I do that on the first place, I'm getting a very deactivated ring, so I won't be able to add Br.
So I think I need to add Br on the first place, but I don't see how. If I directly use Br2/FeBr3, bromination will go in the ortho left position and in para position.
I know that if I add SO3/H2SO4, I can protect para position, and then add Br to ortho, but I do not need that, I need to add Br in para of methyl. How could I do that?