Question

Choose the correct option: Important factors that influence the E1 reaction mechanism

i. Electron donating ability of substituents

ii. Good leaving group

iii. solvents of high polarity

iv. All of the above

Answer 1

The most important stage of E1 reaction is the first stage - the loss of a leaving group:

This stage depends on two main factors: a good leaving group X and stability of a carbocation.

The stability of a carbocation depends on its structure and solvent:

• the electron-donating ability of substituents: more electron-donating substituents like alkyl groups make the carbocation more stable (carbocations, where R1 and R2 are alkyl groups, are more stable than carbocations with R₁ = H and/or R₂ = H);
• solvents of high polarity: more polar solvent makes the carbocation more stabilized.

Therefore all 3 mentioned factors influence the E1 reaction mechanism.

Answer: iv. All of the above