Question

Ortho-nitrophenol is less soluble in water than para and meta-nitrophenols because:

• A. o- nitrophenol is more volatile in steam than those of m- and p- isomers.
• B. o- nitrophenol shows intramolecular $H-$bonding.
• C. o-nitrophenol shows intermolecular $H-$bonding.
• D. none of these.

Answer 1

The correct option is B o- nitrophenol shows intramolecular $H-$bonding.

Intramolecular hydrogen bonding decreases water solubility of o-nitrophenol, while para and meta-nitrophenols show intermolecular hydrogen bonding which increases their solubility in water. Hence, ortho-nitrophenol is less soluble in water than para and meta-nitrophenols.

Hence, the correct option is 'B'.