Question

write a reaction in which phenols exhibit acidic nature. explain why phenolsare more acidic than alcohols. out of 2-nitrophenol and 4-nitrophenol, which issteam volatile and why?

Answer 1

$\underline \bold{Solution:-}$

The reaction for acidic nature of phenol is in attachment.

2-nitrophenol :-

2-nitrophenol is also known as ortho-nitrophenol.

It is a steam volatile phenol because it is having intramolecular hydrogen bonding.

whereas

4 - nitrophenol

4 - nitrophenol is also known as para-nitrophenol.

It is a less steam volatile due to the presence of intermolecular hydrogen bonding.