Question

what do you mean by steric hindrance or steric repulsions? What does steric mean?

Answer 1

In a molecule, every atom or group occupies a space and if two atoms or groups are brought to close to each other, there is overlapping of electron clouds resulting in repulsive forces between the two atoms or groups. This can be a reason in determining the shape and structure of a molecule and also its reactivity.In the case of methyl cyclohexane, the chair conformation is the most stable as largest substituents are in equatorial position. In case of axial position, the substituents are closer to each other giving rise to steric hindrance.