Choose the correct statements for ortho and para nitrophenol
(A) They can be separated by steam distillation
(B) o-Nitrophenol undergoes intramolecular hydrogen bonding
(C) p-Nitrophenol undergoes inter molecular hydrogen bonding
(D) p-Nitrophenol is less volatile
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → (A), (B), (C) and (D)
(A) They can be separated by steam distillation — Correct. o-Nitrophenol is steam volatile and distils over with steam, while p-nitrophenol stays behind.
(B) o-Nitrophenol undergoes intramolecular hydrogen bonding — Correct. The neighbouring –OH and –\( \ce{NO2} \) groups form a six-membered ring through a hydrogen bond.
(C) p-Nitrophenol undergoes inter molecular hydrogen bonding — Correct. Its –OH and –\( \ce{NO2} \) groups bond to neighbouring molecules, which causes association.
(D) p-Nitrophenol is less volatile — Correct. The associated molecules need more energy to separate, so it has a higher boiling point and is less volatile.
NCERT (2026-27 edition):
Nitration
Note: The same/similar question has been asked in different years by NTA as per the details given below:
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | 03-06 S2 26-05 S2 | – | – | – |