How is toluene converted to benzyl alcohol?

Answer: A methyl group is joined to the benzene ring in toluene. In benzyl alcohol, one hydroxyl group is joined to the benzyl group. Methylene and phenyl groups are combined to form benzyl groups.

Toluene is converted into benzyl alcohol in two steps.

1. Toluene is free radical chlorination with chlorine in the presence of heat or UV light to produce benzyl chloride. A chlorine atom is added to the methyl group of toluene to replace one hydrogen atom. There is a hydrogen chloride molecule removed.
2. Then, benzyl chloride and aqueous potassium hydroxide combine to form benzyl alcohol.