Question

Which has intramolecular hydrogen bonding?
Ortho nitrophenol, Para nitrophenol

• A. Ortho nitrophenol
• B. Para nitrophenol
• C. Both
• D. None

Hint:

When looking for intramolecular hydrogen bonding, check the proximity of the hydrogen donor (such as -OH) and acceptor (such as -NO\(_2\)) groups.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Ortho nitrophenol exhibits intramolecular hydrogen bonding. In the ortho isomer, the hydroxyl group (-OH) and the nitro group (-NO\(_2\)) are close enough in proximity for the hydrogen atom of the hydroxyl group to form a bond with the oxygen of the nitro group. This results in a stable structure with intramolecular hydrogen bonding. On the other hand, para nitrophenol does not have this kind of interaction because the -OH and -NO\(_2\) groups are positioned far apart (in the para position), preventing the formation of intramolecular hydrogen bonds. Thus, Ortho nitrophenol has intramolecular hydrogen bonding.