Question

The melting point of o-hydroxybenzaldehyde (A) is lower than that of p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (B). This is because:

• A. Both (A) and (B) have intermolecular H-bonding
• B. (A) has intermolecular H-bonding and (B) has intramolecular H-bonding
• C. Both (A) and (B) have intramolecular H-bonding
• D. (A) has intramolecular H-bonding and (B) has intermolecular H-bonding

Hint:

Intramolecular hydrogen bonds generally make molecules less capable of extensive network bonding compared to intermolecular interactions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Intramolecular hydrogen bonding in o-hydroxybenzaldehyde (A) results in a less rigid structure compared to p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (B), where intermolecular hydrogen bonding leads to a higher degree of molecular association and therefore a higher melting point.