[Ankesh]

what would be the product for:
            (O)
C6H5CN 

[SVXX]

Benzamide perhaps? That is, C₆H₅CONH₂. Specify the reagent..

[sjb]

Wouldn't benzamide be simply hydration though, so no net redox?

Benzonitrile oxide? PhC#N(+)O(-)? What definition of oxidation are you using?

[408]

Depending on the oxidation reagent it could be any of the above or simply CO2, H2O and N2...

[discodermolide]

what would be the product for:
            (O)
C6H5CN 

You will get a nitrile oxide.

[Ankesh]

oxidation is in the presence of hot KMnO4....sorry for not specifying the reagents before.
Also tell the products in presence of neutral Kmno4

[Ankesh]

Please reply...

[orgopete]

I am uncertain of the results of this reaction. The conditions are quite vigorous. KMnO₄ reacts via radical mechanisms when hot. It also decomposes to O₂ and MnO₂ as I recall. Since base catalyzed hydrolyses of nitriles and amides are difficult due to the basicity of the anion of ammonia, I am going to guess that KMnO₄ either oxidizes the nitrile (to the nitrile oxide) or the amide. That should make the hydrolysis easier and the product to be benzoic acid.

If I understand the mechanism correctly for KMnO₄ oxidations, the products of the oxidation are MnO₂, H₂O, and KOH. I could also imagine that another more labile functional group becoming oxidized in the presence of a nitrile.