🥼organic chemistry review

Elimination reaction

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

In organic chemistry, an elimination reaction is a type of chemical reaction where two atoms or groups are removed from a molecule, resulting in the formation of a double or triple bond. Typically, this involves the loss of an HX (hydrogen and a halide, for example) from adjacent carbon atoms.