JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3si078
A mixture of 2-nitrophenol and 4-nitrophenol is steam distilled. The distillate contains
A4-nitrophenol, because intermolecular hydrogen bonding makes it steam volatile
B2-nitrophenol, because intramolecular hydrogen bonding makes it steam volatile
Cboth isomers in equal amounts
Dneither isomer, because both are acidic
Answer: B
2-Nitrophenol has intramolecular hydrogen bonding, so it is less associated and volatile in steam. 4-Nitrophenol is intermolecularly associated and less volatile, so it stays in the flask.