How do we rationalize the volatility of #"ortho-nitrophenol"# as compared to #"para-nitrophenol"#?

1 Answer
anor277
May 15, 2017

#"ortho-nitrophenol"# is more steam volatile than #"para-nitrophenol"#........

Explanation:

Before we state why, as chemists, as physical scientists, we should should supply some data. This site reports that the normal melting points of #"ortho-nitrophenol"# is #46# #""^@C#, and that of #"para-nitrophenol"# is #114# #""^@C#.

Clearly, LESS intermolecular force operates in the ortho isomer, as manifested by the reduced melting point (which would also manifest in boiling point, and steam distillation point, which you will have to find yourself). Given the structure of each isomer, why do you think that LESS intermolecular force should operate for the ortho isomer?

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