Question

Discuss the polarity of both Ortho- and Para- nitrotrophenol isomers. Explain where the differences come from.

Answer 1

Para- nitrotrophenol ismore polar than ortho- nitrotrophenol. This is because in ortho- nitrotrophenol, NO2 group and OH group are hydrogen bonded. As a result of which the distance between them is very less

Dipole moment = charge * distance between them is less

In case of Para- nitrotrophenol, although -NO2 and -OH grpup are opposite to each other, the distance between them is large enough of make dipole moment = charge * distace graeter than ortho- nitrotrophenol