we know that there is an OH group present in phenols. now, in ortho phenols here o-nitrophenols intramolecular bonding is possible due to the polar nature of OH bonds which can result in the formation of hydrogen bonds with the same molecule . this makes it water soluble and steam volatile which is not in the case of para-isomer. thus A mixture of p-nitrophenol and o-nitrophenol can be separated by steam distillation. Solution we know that there is an OH group present in phenols. now, in ortho phenols here o-nitrophenols intramolecular bonding is possible due to the polar nature of OH bonds which can result in the formation of hydrogen bonds with the same molecule . this makes it water soluble and steam volatile which is not in the case of para-isomer. thus A mixture of p-nitrophenol and o-nitrophenol can be separated by steam distillation..