What is the Difference Between Ortho Nitrophenol and Para Nitrophenol?

The main difference between ortho and para nitrophenol lies in the positions of the -OH and -NO2 groups in the benzene ring. In ortho nitrophenol, the -OH group and the -NO2 group are attached to the adjacent/neighboring carbon atoms, while in para nitrophenol, they are attached to the 1st and 4th positions of the benzene ring.

Ortho nitrophenol exhibits intramolecular hydrogen bonding, where one molecule undergoes hydrogen bonding with itself. This results in fewer intermolecular hydrogen bonds in its solution, making it less polar. On the other hand, para nitrophenol undergoes intermolecular hydrogen bonding, interacting with other molecules nearby. This results in more intermolecular hydrogen bonds in its solution, making it more polar.

In summary, the key differences between ortho and para nitrophenol are:

1. The positions of the -OH and -NO2 groups in the benzene ring.
2. Ortho nitrophenol exhibits intramolecular hydrogen bonding, while para nitrophenol exhibits intermolecular hydrogen bonding.
3. Ortho nitrophenol is less polar than para nitrophenol.

These differences affect the physical and chemical properties of the compounds, such as boiling and melting points, solubility, and reactivity.

Comparative Table: Ortho Nitrophenol vs Para Nitrophenol

Ortho-nitrophenol and para-nitrophenol are isomers of nitrophenol, which is an organic compound containing a benzene ring attached to a -OH group and a -NO2 group. The key difference between these two isomers lies in the position of the -OH and -NO2 groups within the molecule. Here is a table summarizing their differences:

Ortho-nitrophenol is a yellow crystalline solid and is less symmetrical than para-nitrophenol. Para-nitrophenol, on the other hand, has a diagonal symmetry axis and is more symmetrical than ortho-nitrophenol. The presence of intramolecular hydrogen bonding in ortho-nitrophenol and intermolecular hydrogen bonding in para-nitrophenol leads to differences in their boiling points and steam volatility.