What is bond strain?

Bond strain refers to the deformation or distortion of chemical bonds in a molecule due to steric hindrance or electronic repulsion. When two atoms are bonded together, they form a stable and rigid structure due to the attraction between their electronic clouds. However, when other atoms or functional groups approach the bonded atoms, they can cause the bond to experience strain by exerting repulsive forces. This strain can weaken the bond and make it less stable, increasing the energy required to break the bond. The magnitude of bond strain depends on the degree of deformation of the bond, the distance between atoms, and the size and shape of the atoms or functional groups involved. Bond strain can affect the reactivity and physical properties of molecules and can be a significant factor in chemical reactions and biological processes.