Why is *o*-nitrophenol significantly less soluble in water and more volatile in steam than its *p*- — Chemical Bonding Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

*o*-nitrophenol exhibits intramolecular hydrogen bonding (chelation) between the adjacent $-OH$ and $-NO_2$ groups. This internal bonding prevents it from forming intermolecular hydrogen bonds with water (reducing solubility) or other *o*-nitrophenol molecules (increasing volatility).