Question

multiple choice 2 points
dehydrohalogenation of an alkyl halide by treating it with a strong base to yield an alkene product typically occurs by what reaction mechanism?
free radical
sn1
sn2
e1
e2
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Explanation:

Dehydrohalogenation of alkyl halides with strong bases typically follows the E2 mechanism. In E2, the base abstracts a proton, and the halogen leaves simultaneously (bimolecular elimination). Free - radical mechanisms are for different reactions (e.g., halogenation of alkanes). \(S_N1\) and \(S_N2\) are substitution mechanisms (\(S_N1\) is unimolecular substitution, \(S_N2\) is bimolecular substitution). E1 is a unimolecular elimination (with a carbocation intermediate), but strong bases favor E2 over E1.

Answer:

E. E2