Steric hindrance at a given atom in a molecule is the congestion caused by the physical presence of the surrounding ligands, which may slow down or prevent reactions at the atom.
What does it mean for a base to be sterically hindered?
As the name suggests, a non-nucleophilic base is a sterically hindered organic base that is a poor nucleophile. ... Typical non-nucleophilic bases are bulky, such that protons can attach to the basic center but alkylation and complexation is inhibited.
How do you determine sterically hindered?
There are certain qualities that determine whether it is hindered or not.
- The smaller the size of atom attached to the carbon the less will be the steric hindrance.
- Bulkier the group more will be the steric hindrance.
- Hydrogen is the smallest atom with least steric hindrance.
