Question

Why p-nitrophenol is more soluble than o-nitrophenol in water?

Answer 1

Ortho–Nitrophenol is less soluble in water than p– and m– Nitrophenols because :
(1) o–Nitrophenol is more volatile in steam than those of m – and p–isomers (2) o–Nitrophenol shows Intramolecular H–bonding
(3) o–Nitrophenol shows Intermolecular H–bonding
(4) Melting point of o–Nitrophenol is lower than those of m–and p ...

Answer 2

Answer:

p-nitrophenol is more soluble in water than o-nitrophenol because of intermolecular hydrogen bonding with water.

Explanation:

• The solubility of the compound in water increases, if it can form the hydrogen bonds with water.
• The -OH group of o-nitrophenol is used in intramolecular hydrogen bonding between hydrogen of -OH group and nitrogen of NO₂ group. Therefore o-nitrophenol is less soluble in water.
• -OH group of p-nitrophenol is not involved in intramolecular hydrogen bonding. Therefore it is free to form intermolecular hydrogen bonding with water molecules. Therefore p-nitrophenol is more soluble in water than o-nitrophenol.