Question

The ortho and para isomers formed by electrophilic substitution of arenes can be easily separated due to the large difference in their ________

(a) densities

(b) solubilities

(c) melting points

(d) boiling points

This question was addressed to me by my school principal while I was bunking the class.

Query is from Preparation of Haloarenes in portion Haloalkanes and Haloarenes of Chemistry – Class 12

Answer 1

Right choice is (c) melting points

To elaborate: The solid form of ortho isomer melts way earlier than the para isomer as the latter has a higher melting point due to its symmetric geometry.