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 the correct answer from the options given below
B. Statement I is false but Statement II is true
Statement I: The reaction of phenol with CHCl_3 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 intermolecular hydrogen bonding, which leads to association between molecules and a higher boiling point, making it non-steam volatile. Therefore, the mixture can be easily separated by steam distillation. Thus, Statement II is true. Conclusion: Statement I is false but Statement II is true.
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