Are Torsional Strain and Steric Strain the Same?

The main difference between steric and torsional strain is that steric strain cannot be reduced by rotating the molecule around a bond whereas torsional strain can be reduced by rotating the molecule around a bond.

What is another name for steric strain?

Van der Waals strain. Van der Waals strain, or steric strain, occurs when atoms are forced to get closer than their Van der Waals radii allow. Specifically, Van der Waals strain is considered a form of strain where the interacting atoms are at least four bonds away from each other.

What is a torsional strain?

Torsional strain or eclipsing strain is the increase in potential energy of a molecule due to repulsion between electrons in bonds that do not share an atom. Consider two conformations of ethane: The smallest dihedral angle is 60º in 1; it is 0º in 2. ... Consequently, torsional strain is greater in 2 than in 1.