1.

Explain why o - hydroxybenzaldehyde is a liquid at room temperature while p-hydroxybenzaldehyde is a high melting solid ?

Answer»

Solution :Due to intramolecular H-bonding orthohydroxy benzaldehyde exists as DISCRETE molecule WHEREAS due to INTERMOLECULAR H-bonding, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde exists as associated molecules. To break these intermolecular H-bonds, a large AMOUNT of energy is needed. Consequently, p - hydroxybenzaldehyde has a much higher m.pt. and b.pt. than that of o-hydroxy benzaldehyde. As a RESULT, o-hydroxy benzaldehyde is a liquid at room temperature while p-hydroxy benzaldehyde is a high melting solid.


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