E2 Reactions E2 = elimination, bimolecular Reaction is concerted (one step) Rate = k[substrate][base]

(a second order process) E2 can occur with SN2. Occurs by abstraction of H+ from a C

adjacent to the C with the LG. Products follow Zaitsev’s Rule. If the base is strong, E2 will occur

instead of E1 for 3° alkyl halides.

E2 Reaction Mechanism One-step and requires a strong base. Best transition state is anti-coplanar. Example: t-butyl bromide + methoxide Why don’t SN2, SN1, or E1 occur?

E2 Reaction Mechanism Example: t-butyl bromide + methoxide

E2 Reaction Mechanism Anti-periplanar alignment allows pi

bond to form from sp3 orbitals.

E2 Reaction Profile

rate = ?

k = ?

Factors Affecting E2 Reactions

Structure of the substrate Strength of the base Nature of the leaving group The solvent in which the reaction

is run.

Factors Affecting E2 Reactions - Structure of the Substrate

Structure of the alkyl halide: 3° > 2° >1°

This is due to the stability of the more highly substituted alkene (Zaitsev’s Rule).

Factors Affecting E2 Reactions - Structure of the Substrate

Decide whether the following substrates could react by E1 or E2 (and by SN1 or SN2).

Br

Cl

Br

I

Factors Affecting E2 Reactions - Strength of the Base

The base must be strong. Which of the following bases favor E2 and which favor E1 reactions?

OH

H2ON

CH2

Factors Affecting E2 Reactions - the Leaving Group

The LG should be good. Which of the following substrates have good LGs?

Cl

NH2

OCH3

H

O S

O

O

CH3

Factors Affecting E2 Reactions - Solvent Effects

Polarity is not so important because negative charge is spread over the transition state.

Zaitsev’s Rule

When two or more elimination products are possible, the more stable alkene will predominate. This is usually the product with the more substituted double bond.

Zaitsev’s Rule

Show the E2 elimination products that could come from:

Cl

Br

Which E2 reaction would occur more quickly?

E2 Reactions - Summary The structure of the substrate affects the

rate. Relative rates for E2: 3°>2°>1°.

The base must be strong. The LG should be good. The solvent should be polar. Coplanar (usually anti) transition state is

required. Products will follow Zaitsev’s Rule. Can occur with SN2 for 2° alkyl halides.

E2 Reactions - Summary Predict the products

RO-Br

Cl RO-

ClCH3CH2OH

E2 Competes with SN2 for 2° Alkyl Halides

E1 and E2 ReactionsE1 E2

Base weak ones work strong

Substrate 3°>2° 3°>2°>1°

Leaving group good good

Solvent polar, ionizing polar, aprotic is better

E1 and E2 ReactionsE1 E2

Rate =k[RX] =k[RX][Base]

Carbocation intermediate?

Y N

Stereochemistry Zaitsev’s rule Zaitsev’s rule

Rearrangement ~H, ~ CH3 possible

No rearrangements

How Do You Decide Which Reaction(s) Happen?

The strength and structure of the nucleophile/base is paramount. Strong ones always give a

second order reaction (SN2 or E2).

If the base is bulky, E2 will occur instead of SN2.

How Do You Decide Which Reaction(s) Happen?

Now, look at the structure of the substrate.

1° alkyl halides will undergo SN2 and perhaps E2 unless rearrangement is possible.

3° alkyl halides will NOT undergo SN2.

2° alkyl halides are the toughest to predict.

How Do You Decide Which Reaction(s) Happen?

Evaluate, in order, Nucleophile, strength and

structure -or- Base, strength and structure Structure of the alkyl halide/carbocation Leaving group Solvent

YOU MUST BE ABLE TO DRAW THE MECHANISM!

Elimination Reactions Predict the products

OCH3

CH3OH

Br Na+ -OCH2CH3

ethanol

Did this product come from the reaction of 1-chlorobutane with a) sodium acetate or b) sodium t-butoxide?

This product came from the reaction of 1-chlorobutane with sodium acetate. The C=O and C-O peaks show ester.

OC

CH3

O

Did this product come from the reaction of 1-chloropentane with a) sodium acetate or b) sodium t-butoxide?

This product came from the reaction of 1-chloropentane with sodium t-butoxide. The sp2C-H and C=C peaks show alkene.