What is the final product when toluene is oxidized in the presence of KMnO₄?

Benzoic acid 

The correct answer is option 1. Benzoic acid.

When toluene (\(\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{CH}_3\)) is oxidized in the presence of potassium permanganate (KMnO4), the final product is benzoic acid \((C_6H_5COOH)\).

Here is the oxidation process:

Toluene is oxidized to benzyl alcohol (\(\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{CH}_2\text{OH}\)) first. Further oxidation of benzyl alcohol leads to the formation of benzaldehyde (\(\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{CHO}\)). Benzaldehyde is then further oxidized to benzoic acid (\(\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{COOH}\)).

Therefore, in the presence of KMnO4, toluene undergoes a series of oxidation steps ultimately resulting in benzoic acid as the final product.