When is an Elimination 2 reaction more likely to take place?

In summary, an Elimination 2 reaction occurs when a leaving group and a hydrogen atom are removed from adjacent carbon atoms to form a double bond. This type of reaction is more likely to occur with secondary or tertiary alkyl halides, strong bases, and good leaving groups. The strength of the base plays a crucial role in determining whether an Elimination 2 or substitution reaction will occur. In contrast to an Elimination 1 reaction, where the leaving group is removed first, an Elimination 2 reaction occurs in a single step with the leaving group and a hydrogen atom being removed simultaneously. While primary alkyl halides typically undergo substitution reactions, it is possible for them to undergo an Elimination 2 reaction under certain conditions, such
  • #1
gauss44
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When is an Elimination 2 reaction more likely to take place than any other reaction (more likely than SN1, SN2, E1)? Details and examples welcome.

I'm reviewing this for a student I'm tutoring and seem to have forgotten what makes E2 happen over the other reactions. Thanks!
 
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I'm sorry you are not generating any responses at the moment. Is there any additional information you can share with us? Any new findings?
 

1. When does an Elimination 2 reaction occur?

An Elimination 2 reaction occurs when a leaving group and a hydrogen atom are removed from adjacent carbon atoms to form a double bond. This typically occurs in the presence of a strong base and a good leaving group.

2. What makes a reaction more likely to be an Elimination 2?

An Elimination 2 reaction is more likely to occur when the substrate is a secondary or tertiary alkyl halide, as the resulting carbocation will be more stable. Additionally, the presence of a strong base and a good leaving group also increases the likelihood of an Elimination 2 reaction.

3. How does the strength of the base affect an Elimination 2 reaction?

The strength of the base plays a crucial role in an Elimination 2 reaction. A strong base, such as hydroxide (OH-), will readily remove a proton from the substrate, leading to the formation of a double bond. A weaker base, such as water (H2O), may not have enough strength to remove the proton and instead may result in a substitution reaction.

4. What is the difference between an Elimination 2 and an Elimination 1 reaction?

In an Elimination 1 reaction, the leaving group is removed first, forming a carbocation intermediate. This is followed by the removal of a proton from an adjacent carbon atom to form a double bond. In contrast, an Elimination 2 reaction occurs in a single step, with the leaving group and a hydrogen atom being removed simultaneously to form a double bond.

5. Can an Elimination 2 reaction occur with primary alkyl halides?

While primary alkyl halides do not typically undergo an Elimination 2 reaction, it is possible under certain conditions. The presence of a bulky base, such as tert-butoxide (t-BuO-), can lead to steric hindrance that favors the Elimination 2 pathway over substitution. However, primary alkyl halides are more likely to undergo substitution reactions due to the unstable nature of the resulting carbocation in an Elimination 2 reaction.

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