While separating a mixture of ortho and para-nitro phenols by steam distillation, name the isomer which will be steam volatile. Give reasons.
In o-nitrophenol, there is intramolecular hydrogen bonding as follows :
In p-nitrophenol, there is intramolecular hydrogen bonding as follows :
Due to intermolecular H bonding in p-nitrophenol, its b. p. is much higher than that of o-nitrophenol. Hence o-nitraphenol due to its lower b. p. is steam volatile while pnitrophenol is not.