o-nitrophenol can be easily stream distilled whereas p-nitrophenol cannot be. This is because of :

Options

A. Strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding in o-nitrophenol
B. Strong intramolecular hydrogen bonding in o-nitrophenol
C. Strong intramolecular hydrogen bonding in p-nitrophenol
D. dipole moment of p-nitrophenol is larger than that of o-nitrophenol

Answer

To understand why o-nitrophenol can be easily steam distilled while p-nitrophenol cannot, we need to analyze the molecular structures and the type of hydrogen bonding present in each compound.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Structures**:
- **o-Nitrophenol**: This compound has a nitro group (NO2) attached to the ortho position of the phenol ring, which means the nitro group is adjacent to the hydroxyl group (OH).
- **p-Nitrophenol**: In this compound, the nitro group is attached to the para position of the phenol ring, meaning it is opposite the hydroxyl group.

2. **Analyze Hydrogen Bonding**:
- **o-Nitrophenol**: In o-nitrophenol, the hydroxyl group can form intramolecular hydrogen bonds with the nitro group due to their proximity. This results in weaker interactions because the hydrogen bond is formed within the same molecule.
- **p-Nitrophenol**: In contrast, p-nitrophenol primarily engages in intermolecular hydrogen bonding. The hydroxyl group of one molecule can interact with the nitro group of another molecule, leading to stronger intermolecular hydrogen bonds.

3. **Effect on Boiling Point**:
- The presence of strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds in p-nitrophenol increases its boiling point, making it less volatile and harder to distill.
- Conversely, the weaker intramolecular hydrogen bonding in o-nitrophenol results in a lower boiling point, allowing it to be steam distilled more easily.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the reason o-nitrophenol can be easily steam distilled while p-nitrophenol cannot is due to the presence of stronger intermolecular hydrogen bonding in p-nitrophenol compared to the weaker intramolecular hydrogen bonding in o-nitrophenol.

### Final Answer:
o-Nitrophenol can be easily steam distilled because it has weaker intramolecular hydrogen bonding, while p-nitrophenol has stronger intermolecular hydrogen bonding, resulting in a higher boiling point.

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