MHT CET202620 April 2026Morning ShiftChemistryAlcohols Phenols and EthersActual
Which among the following compounds has highest solubility in water?
Options
- APhenol
- Bp-resol
- Co-Nitrophenol
- Dp-Nitrophenol
Correct answer
A. Phenol
Step-by-step solution
Solubility of organic compounds in water depends on their ability to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, the size of the hydrophobic part, and the lattice energy of the solid. 1. Phenol forms strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds with water, making it quite soluble (solubility 8.3 g/100 mL ). 2. p-Cresol contains an additional hydrophobic methyl ( -CH₃ ) group, which increases the non-polar character and decreases its solubility compared to phenol (solubility 1.9 g/100 mL ). 3. o-Nitrophenol exhibits intramole