Torsional vs Steric Strain

[Samantha Rundle 3K]

Is there any correlation between steric strain and torsional strain?

Thank you!

[Ryan Williams 1E]

Steric strain involves atoms in the same molecule trying to occupy the same space. These are considered nonbonded interaction strains because the atoms in question are never directly bonded to each other. This occurs more often in larger molecules, where there are more potential atom interaction sites. Torsional strain refers to the C-C bonds in the cycloalkanes. If the bonds are eclipsed there is more repulsion between electron density sites. This is fixed through different conformations such as envelope, chair, and boat, as opposed to keeping the molecule planar.