Octet

Octet / Reactions

E2 Elimination

E2 Elimination (E2 Elimination.) Converts CC(Br)CC to CC=CC using KOtBu, NaOEt, NaOH (conc.). Conditions: Strong base, heat in t-BuOH or EtOH. Stereochemistry: Anti-periplanar geometry required. E/Z depends on which H is removed..

Elimination

Reaction details

Name

E2 Elimination

Type

Elimination

Subtype

E2

Starting Material

CC(Br)CC

Product

CC=CC

Reagents
  • KOtBu

  • NaOEt

  • NaOH (conc.)

Conditions

Strong base, heat

Solvent

t-BuOH or EtOH

Mechanism
  1. Smiles

    CC(Br)CC

    Description

    2-Bromobutane: H and Br must be anti-periplanar

  2. Smiles

    CC(Br)CC

    Description

    Base removes β-hydrogen as C=C forms and Br⁻ leaves

  3. Smiles

    CC=CC

    Description

    2-Butene formed (E2 is concerted, one step)

Stereochemistry

Anti-periplanar geometry required. E/Z depends on which H is removed.

Regiochemistry

Zaitsev: more substituted alkene favored (with most bases)

Tips
  1. Rate = k[substrate][base]

  2. Anti-periplanar = H and leaving group on opposite sides, 180°

  3. Bulky bases (KOtBu) favor Hofmann product (less substituted)

  4. Competes with SN2 - base vs nucleophile

Related Reactions
  • e1-elimination

  • sn2-bromide-hydroxide

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