My Organic Chemistry textbook says about the formation of cyclic hemiacetals, "Such intramolecular reactions to form five- and six-membered rings are faster than the corresponding intermolecular reactions. The two reacting functional groups, in this case OH and C=O, are held in close proximity, increasing the probability of reaction."
According to the book, the formation of cyclic hemiacetals occurs in acidic conditions.
So my question is whether the carbonyl group in this reaction reacts first with the end alcohol on the same molecule or with the ethylene glycol. And, given the explanation in the book, if it reacts first with ethylene glycol before its own end alcohol, why would it?
I don't need to know the final answer. I need to know WHY it would not undergo an intermolecular reaction prior to reacting with the ethylene glycol if that is the case.
Please do not use an AI answer.
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