Question

o-nitrophenol is steam volatile, whereas p-nitrophenol is not. This is due to:

• A. The presence of intermolecular H-Bonding in o-nitrophenol
• B. The presence of intramolecular H-Bonding in o-nitrophenol
• C. The presence of intramolecular H-Bonding in p-nitrophenol
• D. None of these

Answer 1

The correct option is B The presence of intramolecular H-Bonding in o-nitrophenol

o-nitrophenol forms intramolecular H-bond whereas p-nitrophenol forms intermolecular H-bond. Strong intermolecular H-bonding increases the boiling point but intramolecular H-bonding cannot do so.