What Are the Challenges Associated with Steric Hindrance in Catalysis?
While steric hindrance can be beneficial, it also poses several challenges. Designing catalysts that appropriately balance activity and selectivity can be difficult. Excessive steric hindrance can lead to a significant decrease in reaction rates, making the process inefficient. Additionally, predicting the exact impact of steric factors on a catalytic reaction requires a deep understanding of both the catalyst and the substrate structure, making the design process complex.