Given below are two statements:

Statement I: Phenol on treatment with . $$CHCL_{3}$$/aq. $$KOH$$ under refluxing condition, followed by acidification produces $$p$$-hydroxy benzaldehyde as the major product and $$o$$-hydroxy benzaldehyde as the minor product.

Statement II: The mixture of $$p$$-hydroxybenzaldehyde and $$o$$-
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: False

• Reaction: Phenol + $$\text{CHCl}_3$$ + aq. $$\text{KOH}$$ $$\rightarrow$$ Salicylaldehyde ($$o$$-hydroxybenzaldehyde).
• Major Product: In the Reimer-Tiemann reaction, $$o$$-hydroxybenzaldehyde is the major product, not the $$p$$-isomer. This is due to the formation of a stable six-membered chelate ring (intramolecular hydrogen bonding) in the intermediate and the proximity of the phenoxide ion to the dichlorocarbene intermediate.

Statement II: True

• Separation Method: Steam distillation is effective here because of the difference in Hydrogen Bonding.
• $$o$$-hydroxybenzaldehyde: Exhibits intramolecular hydrogen bonding (within the same molecule). This makes it more volatile (steam volatile) because it does not associate strongly with neighboring molecules.
• $$p$$-hydroxybenzaldehyde: Exhibits intermolecular hydrogen bonding (between different molecules). This leads to strong association and a higher boiling point, making it non-steam volatile.