What is the steric effect?

Steric effect is the spatial interaction (non-bonding) due to spatial crowding of bulky groups in a molecule , which affects their stability, properties and reaction rate.
Steric effect is one of the factor which affects the stability of a molecule.
The stability of bulky groups decreases due to the repulsion caused by the steric effect.
It causes obstruction to the attacking agent known as steric hindrance.

Table of Contents

Applications of steric effect

1. Stability

(a) Trans-but-2-ene and cis-but-2-ene

In cis isomer, bulky methyl groups are close by and have steric repulsion, so they are less stable. But in trans, methyl groups being on opposite side are far away from each other so that there is no steric repulsion and hence more stable.

(b) Conformational isomers of butane

Anti form is most stable since two methyl groups are on opposite side..
The repulsion of the bulky groups causes the fully eclipsed form to be the least stable.

2. Basicity of amines

Unexpectedly lower basicity of tertiary amine is due to steric hindrance to the approach of H+ ions and also to the stabilization of the conjugate base through solvation.

3. Acidity of carboxylic acid

In 2,6-di(t-butyl) benzoic acid, since there is steric hindrance to the stabilization of carboxylate ion through solvation, it is less acidic than benzoic acid.