Question

What is the relationship between steric hindrance and the rate of esterification?

Answer 1

Steric hindrance:

• Steric hindrance is the slowing of chemical reactions due to steric bulk.

The relationship between steric hindrance and the rate of esterification:

• Steric hindrance is generally due to heavy bulky groups surrounding the small molecule or atom.
• It blocks the reaction of esterification.
• Steric hindrance slows down the rate of esterification.
• Steric hindrance is in inverse relation with the rate of esterification.

$\mathrm{Steric}\mathrm{hindrance}\propto \frac{1}{\mathrm{Rate}\mathrm{of}\mathrm{esterification}}$