JEE Main202622 January 2026Morning ShiftChemistryAlcohols Phenols and EthersActual
Given below are two statements: Statement I : Phenol on treatment with CHCl ₃ /aq. KOH under refluxing condition, followed by acidification produces p -hydroxy benzaldehyde as the major product and o -hydroxy benzaldehyde as the minor product. Statement II : The mixture of p -hydroxybenzaldehyde and o hydroxybenzaldehyde can be easily separated through steam distillation. In the light of the above statements, choose
Options
- AStatement I is true but Statement II is false
- BStatement I is false but Statement II is true
- CBoth Statement I and Statement II are true
- DBoth Statement I and Statement II are false
Correct answer
B. Statement I is false but Statement II is true
Step-by-step solution
Statement I: The reaction of phenol with CHCl₃ and aqueous KOH is the Reimer-Tiemann reaction. In this reaction, the major product is o -hydroxybenzaldehyde (salicylaldehyde) due to the formation of a stable six-membered chelate ring via intramolecular hydrogen bonding. p -hydroxybenzaldehyde is formed as the minor product. Thus, Statement I is false. Statement II: o -hydroxybenzaldehyde (salicylaldehyde) has intramolecular hydrogen bonding, making it more volatile (steam volatile). p -hydroxybenzaldehyde has inter