The e1 mechanism, or unimolecular elimination mechanism, is a two-step reaction process where a substrate loses a leaving group to form a carbocation intermediate before the elimination of a proton to yield an alkene. This mechanism is characterized by its dependence on the stability of the carbocation formed, with more stable carbocations being more favorable for this pathway. The e1 mechanism contrasts with the e2 mechanism, which involves a concerted, single-step elimination.
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