7.7: Alkene Synthesis by Elimination of Alkyl Halides

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    From LibreTexts, under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0, as the source states it; its equations are written in TeX, which the PDF shows typeset. This page at LibreTexts.

    Learning Objective

    • interpret and draw reaction energy diagrams for dehydrohalogenation of R-X’s
    • propose mechanisms for a dehydrohalogenation reactions -
    • predict the products and specify the reagents for alkene synthesis from dehydrohalogenation of R-X’s
    • predict and explain the stereochemistry of E2 eliminations to form alkenes, especially from cyclohexanes

    Alkene Synthesis by Elimination of Alkyl Halides is discussed in detail in chapter 7 sections 13 - 18. The major learning objectives are summarized briefly in this section.

    Alkene Synthesis by Elimination of Alkyl Halides

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    When considering whether an elimination reaction is likely to occur via an E1 or E2 mechanism, we really need to consider three factors:

    1. 1) The base: strong bases favor the E2 mechanism, whereas, E1 mechanisms only require a weak base.
    2. 2) The solvent: good ionizing xolvents (polar protic) favor the E1 mechanism by stabilizing the carbocation intermediate.
    3. 3) The alkyl halide: primary alkyl halides have the only structure useful in distinguishing between the E2 and E1 pathways. Since primary carbocations do not form, only the E2 mechanism is possible.
    Reaction Parameter E2 E1
    alkyl halide structure tertiary > secondary > primary tertiary > secondary >>>> primary
    nucleophile high concentration of a strong base weak base
    mechanism 1-step 2-step
    rate limiting step anti-coplanar bimolecular transition state carbocation formation
    rate law rate = k[R-X][Base] rate = k[R-X]
    stereochemisty retained configuration mixed configuration
    solvent not important polar protic

    7.7: Alkene Synthesis by Elimination of Alkyl Halides is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.