Balancing equation for creation of Potassium benzoate

[cp-svalbard]

Homework Statement

Potassium benzoate C₆H₅CO₂K can be prepared from benzyl alcohol, C₆H₅CH₂OH, and potassium permanganate KMnO₄ in aqueous KOH. The manganese is converted to MnO₂

The Attempt at a Solution

So, my attempt to balance has left me scratching my head

C₆H₅CH₂OH + KMnO₄ $$\rightarrow$$ C₆H₅CO₂K +MnO₂

Question: Since it states aqueous KOH, where does that apply in balancing out this?

What would the equation be balanced?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Borek]

KOH means you need to use OH^- and water when balancing hydrogen and oxygen.

Do you know how to balance by half reactions? Can you split the system into reduction and oxidation half reactions?

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