ABSTRACT
Reactions of alkyl halides to yield either substitution or elimination products were discussed in Chapters 11 and 12. It is clear from Chapter 12 that an E2 reaction occurs when the nucleophile is also a strong base and when substitution is inhibited due to steric hindrance. ere are many cases in which substitution and elimination compete, particularly when the substrate is a secondary alkyl halide. e solvent plays an important role in these reactions, and solvent identication is a key parameter for distinguishing bimolecular versus unimolecular (ionization) processes. e nature of the alky halide (1°, 2°, or 3°) is important, as is the strength of the nucleophile, and whether or not that nucleophile can also react as a strong base. is chapter will discuss those factors that in˜uence both substitution and elimination and introduce several assumptions that will help make predictions as to the major product.
