Page 16 Flashcards
What is the role of the base in the E2 mechanism?
A: The base removes a proton from the β-carbon, forming water (H₂O) or another by-product.
What happens to the electron pair in the β C-H bond during the E2 reaction?
A: The electron pair forms the new π bond (double bond).
What happens to the leaving group in the E2 mechanism?
A: The leaving group departs with the electron pair from the C-Br (or other leaving group) bond.
Why is the E2 reaction considered concerted?
A: All bond-breaking and bond-forming events occur simultaneously in one step.
What are the products of the E2 reaction in the example provided?
A: An alkene (CH₃-CH=CH₂), H₂O, and the leaving group (Br⁻).
What is the relationship between E2 and S_N2 mechanisms?
A: Both involve a single-step process influenced by the identity of the base, leaving group, and solvent
How does the strength of the base affect the rate of the E2 mechanism?
A: A stronger base increases the rate of the reaction because it is more effective at abstracting the β-hydrogen.
How does the identity of the leaving group affect the E2 reaction?
A: A better leaving group facilitates the reaction by stabilizing the negative charge after departure.
What is the significance of the β-carbon in the E2 mechanism?
A: The β-carbon is the site where the base abstracts the hydrogen, leading to the formation of the double bond.
What factors affect the rate of the E2 reaction?
A: The concentration and strength of the base, the quality of the leaving group, and the solvent.
