Which of the following statements is correct for ortho and para nitrophenols?
(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 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → (A), (B), (C) and (D)
Let’s analyze each statement carefully:
(A) They can be separated by steam distillation
- True. Ortho and para nitrophenols have sufficiently different volatilities due to differences in hydrogen bonding. Steam distillation can separate them.
(B) o-Nitrophenol undergoes intramolecular hydrogen bonding
- True. In ortho-nitrophenol, the –OH and –NO₂ groups are close enough to form intramolecular H-bonding.
(C) p-Nitrophenol undergoes intermolecular hydrogen bonding
- True. In para-nitrophenol, the –OH and –NO₂ groups are opposite each other, so it forms intermolecular H-bonds with other molecules.
(D) p-Nitrophenol is less volatile
- True. Due to strong intermolecular H-bonding, p-nitrophenol has a higher boiling point and is less volatile than o-nitrophenol.