Answer to Question #105285 in Organic Chemistry for Ekemini

Question

Distinguish between e1 and e2,sn1 and sn2

Answer 1

1) Determine if the base/Nu is strong or weak

• If strong – SN2 or E2
• If weak – SN1 or E1

2) If it is a strong, bulky base – E2 only. If it is a non-bulky base, look further into the substrate – primary substrates do SN2, secondary and tertiary do E2 as the major mechanism.

The effect of the solvent on nucleophilicity and basicity is another factor (not the main though) to be considered.