Understanding Bulky Groups: Definition and Explanation

[ldv1452]

What is meant by the term "bulky group?" I couldn't find a definition for this.

 

[espen180]

A group that litterally is big and bulky, where steric hindrance becomes a deciding factor for which reactions take place.

Try searching for steric hindrance on Wikipedia to read more.

 

[DDTea]

It might be easier to understand the bulkiness of a group with some kind of model set. But as espen said, it literally refers to the size of the group.

Examples of non-bulky groups would be the cyanide (-CN) and azide (-N3) ions, which are small, linear, and shaped like "bullets." The classic "bulky" group is t-butyl, -C(CH3)3. All those methyl groups create quite a bit of steric hindrance.

 

[ldv1452]

Thank you for the responses. I'll read up on steric hindrance as well.