Which of the following is non-volatile in steam ?

Options

A. `o`-Nitrophenol
B. `m`-Nitrophenol
C. `p`-Nitrophenol
D. Both (2) and (3)

Answer

D

Explanation

Steam distillation is possible provided the substance is soluble water and has an appreciable vapor pressure at or near the boiling point of water i.e. the substance is volatile in stem. Intermolecular hydrogen bonding and attraction to water greatly lowers the vapor pressure, preventing steam distillation of the meta and para isomers. Only the chelated `o`-isomer has a minimal attraction with water and steam distills.