MHT CET202523 Apr 2025Morning ShiftChemistryAlcohols Phenols and EthersActual
Which of the following has highest solubility in water?
Options
- APhenol
- Bp-Cresol
- Co-Nitrophenol
- Dp-Nitrophenol
Correct answer
A. Phenol
Step-by-step solution
The solubility of organic compounds depends on their ability to form hydrogen bonds with water and overall polarity. Compounds with stronger and more extensive hydrogen bonding capabilities demonstrate higher solubility. Phenol contains one hydroxyl group that forms moderate hydrogen bonds with water. p-Cresol has a hydrophobic methyl group that reduces hydrogen bonding capacity compared to phenol. o-Nitrophenol exhibits intramolecular hydrogen bonding between adjacent hydroxyl and nitro groups, which prevents thes