MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #657

A student observes the elimination reaction of a secondary alkyl halide with a strong base. Which feature characterizes the E2 mechanism?

MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #657

  1. Question 1

    Q1. A student observes the elimination reaction of a secondary alkyl halide with a strong base. Which feature characterizes the E2 mechanism?

    • A) Formation of a carbocation
    • B) Formation of a carbanion
    • C) Simultaneous removal of proton and halide
    • D) Two-step process with a transition state

    Answer: Simultaneous removal of proton and halide

    Explanation: E2 is a concerted process where C-H and C-X bonds break simultaneously; carbocation formation is wrong because that only occurs in E1.