Boiling point of glycerol

[foxi]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I assume Glycerol's BP is so high due to its ability to form intermolecular h-bonds..

BUT, since the hydroxyl groups are all in such close proximity with one another, wouldn't they simply H-bond intramoleculary, limiting their ability to H-bond with other glycerol molecules?

Based on its high BP I can tell my prediction is off - but can anybody explain why I am incorrect?

 

[Cawolf]

Consider the induced strain on a molecule if it is forced into a configuration where intramolecular H-bonding is possible. It is much more thermodynamically feasible for intermolecular H-bonding to occur.