Organic Chemistry Basics 2 Question 80
80. Explain, why o-hydroxybenzaldehyde is a liquid at room temperature while $p$-hydroxybenzaldehyde is a high melting solid?
(1999)
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Solution:
- Intramolecular H-bonding in ortho-hydroxybenzaldehyde decreases its melting point as well as boiling point.
Molecules of p-hydroxybenzaldehyde is symmetrical, associated together by intermolecular H-bonds, has higher boiling point and melting point.
Intramolecular H-bonding