What is the major product of the reaction of 1-methylcyclohexene with cold dilute alkaline ${\text{KMnO}}_4$?

Solution

1. Cold dilute alkaline ${\text{KMnO}}_4$ is known as Baeyer's reagent.
2. It reacts with alkenes to perform a syn-addition of two hydroxyl groups across the double bond.
3. The reaction converts the $\text{C=C}$ bond into a vicinal diol.
4. For 1-methylcyclohexene, the product is 1-methylcyclohexane-1,2-diol.
5. Hence the answer is (A).