A method to separate o-nitrophenol and p-nitrophenol is by using the difference in their
solubility in alkaline solutions. When both compounds are treated with aqueous NaOH,
o-nitrophenol (ortho isomer) will form a water-soluble salt due to the hydroxyl group being
in a position to form a hydrogen bond with the base. On the other hand, p-nitrophenol (para
isomer) does not form a soluble salt and remains insoluble. The two compounds can then be
separated by filtration