Glycols, sometimes referred to as vicinal diols, are chemical substances that have two hydroxyl (-OH) groups bonded to nearby carbon atoms. These substances are common in both natural and industrial processes and are essential in many chemical reactions. When an oxidizing agent is added to an alkene, vicinal diols are frequently formed, producing syn-diol compounds. Ethylene glycol, which is widely used in the creation of polyester fibers and antifreeze solutions, is one of the most prevalent types of vicinal diol. The vicinal diols' distinctive structure endows them with useful chemical characteristics. In organic synthesis, they serve as adaptable building blocks that make it possible to create complex compounds with a variety of functional groups. In addition, these substances play a key role in the production of agrochemicals, medicines, and other fine chemicals.Due to the existence of two nearby hydroxyl groups, vicinal diols also exhibit significant chelating properties. They are effective in coordinating with metal ions thanks to their chelation capability, which has resulted in the creation of numerous metal-ligand complexes and catalytic systems. These compounds have been widely used in metal separation, environmental cleanup, and catalytic activities. Additionally, vicinal diols are hydrophilic due to their hydroxyl groups, which enable them to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. They are essential components in many formulations because of this property, including those for pharmaceutical, personal care, and cosmetic products.In conclusion, vicinal diols are essential substances for industrial applications as well as organic synthesis. They are highly sought-after compounds with a wide range of applications because of their distinctive structure, chelation abilities, and hydrophilicity. Vicinal diols continue to be the subject of ongoing research and development by businesses, which has led to an increase in their importance within the chemistry community and beyond.
