Chapter 18, Problem 18.61AP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The solution which gives best separation of $p-\text{cresol}$ and $2,4-\text{dinitrophenol}$ by dissolving one in water and other in ether is to be stated.

Concept introduction:

The substituted phenol compounds have different dissociation constant, due to the presence of different substituent. The presence of methyl group on phenol destabilizes the phenoxide ion making cresol weak acid. The presence of electron withdrawing nitro group stabilizes the phenoxide ion, so nitrophenol is strong acid.