hindrance n
1. something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress [syn: deterrent, impediment, balk, baulk, check, handicap]
2. any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome [syn: hitch, preventive, preventative, encumbrance, incumbrance, interference]
3. the act of hindering or obstructing or impeding [syn: interference]

Hindrance \Hin"drance\, n. [See Hinder, v. t.]
1. The act of hindering, or the state of being hindered.
2. That which hinders; an impediment. What various hindrances we meet. --Cowper. Something between a hindrance and a help. --Wordsworth. Syn: Impediment; obstruction; obstacle; difficulty; interruption; check; delay; restraint.

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Steric effects arise from the fact that each atom within a molecule occupies a certain amount of space. If atoms are brought too close together, there is an associated cost in energy due to overlapping electron clouds (Pauli or Born repulsion), and this may affect the molecule's preferred shape (conformation) and reactivity.

Steric hindrance or steric resistance occurs when the size of groups within a molecule prevents chemical reactions that are observed in related smaller molecules. Although steric hindrance is sometimes a problem, it can also be a very useful tool, and is often exploited by chemists to change the reactivity pattern of a molecule by stopping unwanted side-reactions (steric protection). Steric hindrance between adjacent groups can also restrict torsional bond angles. However, hyperconjugation has been suggested as an explanation for the preference of the staggered conformation of ethane because the steric hindrance of the small hydrogen atom is far too small. .

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