Ethylene glycol (CH2OHCH2OH) is unusual in that the gauche conformation is more stable than the anti conformation. Offer an explanation. Be sure to answer all parts. The conformation , making it the stable conformation.

The gauche conformation contains intramolecular hydrogen bonds, making it the more stable conformation.

Explanation:

The gauche conformation allows intramolecular hydrogen bonds to appear, creating a more stable molecule. This is particularly observed within a molecule with more carbon atoms. Gauche conformation creates concentrated energy in molecule surrounding, similar to those seen in “ringy” structures (such as benzene), but in this case, with intramolecular hydrogen bonding (which are weaker than pi bonds seen in benzene).