JEE Main 2026 — Alcohols Phenols and Ethers Question with Solution
JEE Main 2026 (22 January Shift 1)
Question
Given below are two statements:
Statement I: Phenol on treatment with /aq. KOH under refluxing condition, followed by acidification produces -hydroxy benzaldehyde as the major product and -hydroxy benzaldehyde as the minor product.
Statement II: The mixture of -hydroxybenzaldehyde and hydroxybenzaldehyde can be easily separated through steam distillation.
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below
Statement I: Phenol on treatment with /aq. KOH under refluxing condition, followed by acidification produces -hydroxy benzaldehyde as the major product and -hydroxy benzaldehyde as the minor product.
Statement II: The mixture of -hydroxybenzaldehyde and hydroxybenzaldehyde can be easily separated through steam distillation.
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below
Choose an option
Show full solutionCorrect option: B
Correct answer
BStatement I is false but Statement II is true
Step-by-step explanation
Statement I: The reaction of phenol with and aqueous is the Reimer-Tiemann reaction. In this reaction, the major product is -hydroxybenzaldehyde (salicylaldehyde) due to the formation of a stable six-membered chelate ring via intramolecular hydrogen bonding. -hydroxybenzaldehyde is formed as the minor product. Thus, Statement I is false.
Statement II: -hydroxybenzaldehyde (salicylaldehyde) has intramolecular hydrogen bonding, making it more volatile (steam volatile). -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.
Statement II: -hydroxybenzaldehyde (salicylaldehyde) has intramolecular hydrogen bonding, making it more volatile (steam volatile). -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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