ortho/para-Selectivity in the Reimer-Tiemann Reaction [duplicate]

The Reimer–Tiemann reaction will give a mixture of products unless the formation of one product is highly disfavoured. The Kürti-Csakó notes in its introductory paragraph on the Reimer–Tiemann:^[1]

6. the regioselectivity is not high, but ortho-formyl products tend to predominate;

The statement already hints at a product mixture being obtained. To further show that both ortho and para attacks are possible, the 1960 review published by Wynberg contains the following scheme as its very first scheme in the introduction:^[2]

So while both products are obtained, a back of the envelope calculation already shows that the distribution is not a perfect $2:1$ ratio. This can apparently be explaned by the effect of positive counterions, as Hine and van der Veen report:^[3]

The ratio of ortho to para product was found to be 2.21 [under high base concentrations], showing that the tendency towards o-substitution is indeed increased under conditions where ion-pair formation is encouraged. One factor that would certainly be expected to be present and that would tend to favor o-substitution is an electrostatic effect. When a dichloromethylene molecule attacks the o-position of a sodium phenoxide ion-pair to yield the probable initial product, there is less separation of unlike charges than when the analogous para product is formed.

So while the steric hindrance of a single oxygen atom is not much more than that of a hydrogen atom and thus does not play a huge role, the presence of positive counterions – although increasing steric congestion – may serve to enhance the formation of the ortho-product through favourable electronic effects.

References:

[1]: L. Kürti and B. Czakó: Strategic Applications of Named Reactions in Organic Synthesis. Background and Detailed Mechanisms, Elsevier Academic Press, Burlington, MA, USA, 2005, page 378.

[2]: H. Wynberg, Chem. Rev. 1960, 60, 169–184. DOI: 10.1021/cr60204a003.

[3]: J. Hine, J. M. van der Veen, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1959, 81, 6446–6449. DOI: 10.1021/ja01533a028.

In Reimer-Tiemann Reaction, a mixture of ortho and para isomers is obtained in which the ortho isomer predominates (it is not the sole product). If one of the ortho positions is occupied, the para-isomer is the major product. The two isomers can be separated by fractional distillation, in which the unreacted phenol and the ortho-isomer distil over leaving behind the para-isomer. Ortho product is major mainly due to 2 reasons-

1. Probability factor ( there are 2 ortho positions available Vs only 1 para position )
2. H- bonding in the final salisaldehyde.(There is a formation of 6 membered chelated ring which increases the stability of this product.)