steric hindrance: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2/Professional)Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “steric hindrance” mean?
The interference between atoms or groups in a molecule due to their size and spatial arrangement, preventing certain chemical reactions or conformations.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The interference between atoms or groups in a molecule due to their size and spatial arrangement, preventing certain chemical reactions or conformations.
In broader scientific contexts, it can metaphorically refer to any physical obstruction caused by the spatial arrangement or bulk of components that prevents an optimal interaction or process.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No difference in meaning or spelling. Pronunciation may follow regional accents.
Connotations
Purely technical, with no cultural or regional connotations.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both scientific communities. More common in chemistry, biochemistry, and pharmacology texts.
Grammar
How to Use “steric hindrance” in a Sentence
The reaction is slow [due to/because of] steric hindrance.Steric hindrance [prevents/blocks] the approach of the reagent.The [large/ bulky] group causes steric hindrance.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “steric hindrance” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The methyl groups hinder the reaction sterically.
- The approach is sterically hindered by the adjacent phenyl ring.
American English
- The t-butyl group sterically hinders access to the active site.
- That conformation is sterically hindered.
adverb
British English
- The groups are arranged too sterically close for the reaction to proceed.
- The catalyst was designed to bind less sterically demanding substrates.
American English
- The reagent attacks the carbonyl sterically from the least hindered side.
- The polymer chains are sterically prevented from packing tightly.
adjective
British English
- We observed a significant steric hindrance effect.
- The molecule has a sterically hindered centre.
American English
- The reaction pathway is limited by steric hindrance factors.
- A sterically-hindered amine was used as a base.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used extensively in chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, and materials science papers and textbooks to explain reaction rates, molecular shapes, and binding affinities.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary context. Used by researchers, engineers (e.g., in polymer science), and students in lab reports and technical discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “steric hindrance”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “steric hindrance”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “steric hindrance”
- Misspelling as 'steric hinderance' (correct is 'hindrance').
- Using it to describe any blockage, not specifically one arising from the size/shape of atoms or groups.
- Pronouncing 'steric' to rhyme with 'generic' (/ˈstɛrɪk/ is correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Steric hindrance' refers specifically to physical blocking due to size. 'Stereochemical' refers to the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms, which can include hindrance but is a broader concept.
Yes. Chemists often use bulky groups to purposely create steric hindrance to protect a reactive site on a molecule, guide a reaction to a specific product (regioselectivity), or stabilize a particular molecular shape.
It is fundamental in organic chemistry, biochemistry (e.g., protein-ligand interactions), pharmacology (drug design), and polymer science.
High steric hindrance around a reaction site typically slows down the reaction rate or prevents it altogether, as it becomes harder for reacting molecules to collide in the correct orientation.
The interference between atoms or groups in a molecule due to their size and spatial arrangement, preventing certain chemical reactions or conformations.
Steric hindrance is usually technical/scientific in register.
Steric hindrance: in British English it is pronounced /ˌstɛrɪk ˈhɪndrəns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌstɛrɪk ˈhɪndrəns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None. This is a technical term.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine trying to shake hands with someone while both of you are wearing huge, fluffy mittens. The mittens (like bulky molecular groups) get in the way and 'hinder' the handshake. That's STERIC (space-related) HINDRANCE.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPACE IS AN OBSTACLE. The physical space occupied by an object can act as a barrier to desired motion or interaction.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary cause of steric hindrance?