Askiitians Tutor Team
Last Activity: 5 Months ago
To tackle this question, let's break down the assertion and the reason provided regarding o-hydroxybenzaldehyde and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde. First, we need to confirm the accuracy of both statements before determining their relationship.
Understanding the Assertion
The assertion states that both o-hydroxybenzaldehyde and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde have the same molecular weight and exhibit hydrogen bonding. Molecular weight is determined by the sum of the atomic weights of all atoms in a molecule. For both compounds, the molecular formula is C7H6O2, which means they indeed have the same molecular weight of approximately 122.12 g/mol. Additionally, both compounds have hydroxyl (-OH) groups, which allow them to form hydrogen bonds. Therefore, the assertion is correct.
Examining the Reason
The reason given is that the melting point of p-hydroxybenzaldehyde is higher than that of o-hydroxybenzaldehyde. This is true; p-hydroxybenzaldehyde typically has a melting point around 124 °C, while o-hydroxybenzaldehyde has a melting point of about 100 °C. The difference in melting points can be attributed to the molecular interactions and the arrangement of the molecules in the solid state. However, while the reason is accurate, it does not directly explain why both compounds have the same molecular weight or why they both exhibit hydrogen bonding.
Connecting the Dots
Now, let’s analyze the relationship between the assertion and the reason. The assertion is correct, and the reason is also correct, but the reason does not provide a valid explanation for the assertion. The higher melting point of p-hydroxybenzaldehyde is influenced by its molecular structure and the nature of hydrogen bonding, but it does not clarify why both compounds share the same molecular weight or hydrogen bonding capability.
Conclusion
Given this analysis, the correct answer to the question is B: Both assertion and reason are correct, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion. This highlights the importance of understanding both the properties of compounds and the relationships between different chemical characteristics.
