Answer:
In the first step you must oxidize toluene to benzoic acid and then with a mixture of sulfuric and nitric acids you will add nitro group in metha position.
Explanation:
The oxidation of toluene to benzoic acid could be made with KMNO₄. Benzoic acid is metha director. Thus, a addition of H₂SO₄ and HNO₃ will produce the final m-nitrobenzoic acid.
The complete mechanism is in the picture.
I hope it helps!
