Skip to main content
Ch. 9 - Substitution and Elimination Reactions of Alkyl Halides
Bruice - Organic Chemistry 8th Edition
Bruice8th EditionOrganic ChemistryISBN: 9780135213711Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 10, Problem 85b

Indicate how each of the same factors affects an E2 reaction.
1. the strength of the base
2. the concentration of the base
3. the solvent

Verified step by step guidance
1
The strength of the base: In an E2 reaction, the rate of the reaction depends on the strength of the base. A stronger base is more effective at abstracting a proton from the β-carbon, which facilitates the elimination process. For example, bases like hydroxide (OH⁻) or alkoxides (RO⁻) are commonly used in E2 reactions. The stronger the base, the faster the reaction proceeds.
The concentration of the base: The E2 reaction is bimolecular, meaning the rate depends on both the substrate and the base. Increasing the concentration of the base increases the likelihood of collisions between the base and the substrate, thereby increasing the reaction rate. This relationship can be expressed as rate = k[substrate][base].
The solvent: The choice of solvent can significantly affect the E2 reaction. Polar aprotic solvents, such as acetone or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), are preferred because they do not solvate the base as strongly as polar protic solvents. This allows the base to remain more reactive, enhancing the rate of the E2 reaction. Polar protic solvents, like water or alcohols, can hinder the reaction by stabilizing the base through hydrogen bonding.
The mechanism of the E2 reaction: It is a concerted process where the base abstracts a proton from the β-carbon, the leaving group departs, and the π-bond forms simultaneously. The strength and concentration of the base, as well as the solvent, all influence the efficiency of this concerted mechanism.
Summary: To optimize an E2 reaction, use a strong base, ensure a high concentration of the base, and select a polar aprotic solvent to maximize the reaction rate and yield.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
6m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

E2 Reaction Mechanism

The E2 (bimolecular elimination) reaction is a type of elimination reaction where a base removes a proton from a substrate, leading to the simultaneous formation of a double bond and the expulsion of a leaving group. This concerted mechanism requires a strong base and typically occurs in a single step, making the reaction rate dependent on both the substrate and the base.
Recommended video:
Guided course
09:36
Drawing the E2 Mechanism.

Base Strength

The strength of the base is crucial in E2 reactions, as stronger bases are more effective at abstracting protons from the substrate. A strong base increases the rate of the E2 reaction by facilitating the removal of the hydrogen atom, which is essential for the formation of the double bond. Common strong bases include alkoxides and hydrides.
Recommended video:
2:56
Base Pairing Concept 1

Solvent Effects

The choice of solvent can significantly influence E2 reactions. Polar aprotic solvents, such as acetone or DMSO, are preferred as they stabilize the transition state without solvation of the base, enhancing its reactivity. In contrast, polar protic solvents can hinder the reaction by stabilizing the base, thus reducing its ability to deprotonate the substrate effectively.
Recommended video:
Guided course
01:16
Identification of polarity in solvents