Assertion (A) : Ortho and para-nitrophenol can be separated by steam distillation.
Reason (R ) : Ortho isomer associates through intermolecular hydrogen bonding while para isomer associated through intermolecular hydrogen bonding.

Options

A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
B. Both A and R are true but R is NOT the corrrect explanation of A
C. A is true but R is false
D. A is false and R is True

Explanation

To solve the question regarding the assertion and reason about ortho and para-nitrophenol, we will analyze both statements step by step.

### Step 1: Understanding the Assertion
**Assertion (A)** states that ortho and para-nitrophenol can be separated by steam distillation.

**Explanation**:
- Steam distillation is a technique used to separate compounds based on their volatility.
- Ortho-nitrophenol and para-nitrophenol have different boiling points and vapor pressures due to their structural differences.
- Ortho-nitrophenol has a higher boiling point because of stronger intermolecular hydrogen bonding compared to para-nitrophenol, which allows for effective separation.

### Step 2: Understanding the Reason
**Reason (R)** states that ortho isomer associates through intermolecular hydrogen bonding while para isomer associates through intermolecular hydrogen bonding.

**Explanation**:
- Both ortho and para-nitrophenol can form hydrogen bonds, but the extent and nature of these interactions differ.
- Ortho-nitrophenol can form strong intramolecular hydrogen bonds due to its proximity of the hydroxyl (-OH) group to the nitro (-NO2) group, leading to a more stable structure.
- Para-nitrophenol primarily engages in intermolecular hydrogen bonding, which is weaker compared to the intramolecular hydrogen bonding in ortho-nitrophenol.

### Step 3: Evaluating the Truth of the Statements
- The assertion is **true** because steam distillation can effectively separate ortho and para-nitrophenol due to their differing boiling points.
- The reason is **partially true**, but it incorrectly states that both isomers associate through intermolecular hydrogen bonding. The ortho isomer predominantly forms intramolecular hydrogen bonds, which affects its boiling point and volatility.

### Conclusion
- The assertion is true, but the reason is misleading as it does not accurately describe the bonding in ortho-nitrophenol.

### Final Answer
- Assertion (A) is true, and Reason (R) is false.

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