Elimination Reactions

Elimination reactions occur in alkyl halides where a molecule is eliminated, which results in the formation of an alkene.

Eliminations can take place via one of two mechanisms:

1. $E1$, elimination unimolecular, which is a two-step process that includes the formation of a carbocation and a nucleophilic attack.

   Figure 41.9: $E1$ reaction.

   

2. $E2$, elimination bimolecular, which is a one step process whereby a nucleophile attacks a hydrogen and prompts a leaving group to detach from the carbon.

Figure 41.10: $E2$ reaction.