E2 reaction

Definition

An E2 reaction is a bimolecular elimination reaction where a hydrogen atom is removed from a carbon adjacent to the one bonded to the leaving group, resulting in the formation of an alkene. This process involves a single concerted step, where both the base removing the hydrogen and the leaving group departure occur simultaneously.

Related terms

Alkyl Halide:

Organic compounds containing at least one halogen atom attached to an aliphatic carbon chain; often serve as substrates in E2 reactions.

Base:

A substance capable of donating electron pairs or accepting protons, instrumental in abstracting a proton during an E2 reaction.

Leaving Group:

A molecular fragment that departs with a pair of electrons in nucleophilic substitution or elimination reactions, crucial for the mechanism of E2 reactions