Which of the following statements are not correct?

A. Phenol is used to prepare analgesic drugs.

B. Solubility of phenol in water is more than that of chlorobenzene

C. Phenol is neutralized by sodium carbonate

D. Boiling point of o-nitrophenol is greater than that of p-nitrophenol

Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

C and D only

The correct answer is option 4. C and D only

A. Phenol is used to prepare analgesic drugs: This statement is correct. Phenol is used in the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals, including analgesic drugs.

B. Solubility of phenol in water is more than that of chlorobenzene: This statement is correct. Phenol is partially soluble in water due to the presence of the hydroxyl group, allowing for hydrogen bonding with water molecules. On the other hand, chlorobenzene is nonpolar and less soluble in water.

C. Phenol is neutralized by sodium carbonate → Incorrect. Phenol is a weak acid. It does not react with  sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃). It reacts only with strong bases like NaOH.

D. Boiling point of o-nitrophenol is greater than that of p-nitrophenol: This statement is incorrect. 

• p-nitrophenol → intermolecular H-bonding → The groups are far apart, so it forms intermolecular hydrogen bonds (between different molecules). This creates a strong network that requires more energy to break, leading to a higher boiling point.
• o-nitrophenol → intramolecular H-bonding → These groups are close enough to form intramolecular hydrogen bonds (within the same molecule). This makes the molecule "self-satisfied" and less likely to stick to neighboring molecules. It is steam-volatile and has a lower boiling point.