[jjc]

I have tried finding out online (to no avail) I would like to ask can esters be oxidised at the ester linkage by KMnO4?

In tackling an organic chem question, by adding KMnO4, the compound broke up at the ester linkage. Although I've never come across such a reaction before, I considered this option as if not I could not explain the reactions described in the question. However, I was unable to find information to answer my queries.

THanks for helping!

[T-rex]

I wouldn't take my word for it TOTALLY, but the only mechanisms i have seen for KMnO4 involve:

 the syn addition of alcohols to a double bond
Oxidation of Alkynes to form Carboxylic acids
Addition of 2 oxygens to a double bond (like 1,2-dimethylcyclohexene)

maybe it would be easer to tell if you had a starting reagent and a final product?
then maybe the intermediate compound maybe more easily identified

[macman104]

Could you post the exact question please?