Question

While separating a mixture of ortho and para nitrophenols by steam distillation, name the
isomer which will be steam volatile. Give reason.

Answer 1

Intramolecular H-bonding is present in o-nitrophenol and p-nitrophenol. In pnitrophenol, the molecules are strongly associated due to the presence of intermolecular bonding. Hence, o-nitrophenol is steam volatile.