E1 Mechanism: Carbocations, Energy Diagrams, and Major Alkene Prediction

Learn the E1 elimination mechanism with an interactive step scrubber: carbocation formation, rearrangements, and Zaitsev product prediction. Includes SN1 vs E1 competition and practice.

  • Key idea: Same first step as SN1: ionization → carbocation (rate‑determining).
  • Typical substrates: 3° (best), some 2°; allylic/benzylic
  • Typical base: Weak base (solvent) often sufficient
  • Typical conditions: Polar protic solvent + heat
  • Key features: Rearrangements possible; Zaitsev alkene usually major
  • Exam type: Choose the mechanism
  • Exam type: Predict the major product
  • Exam type: Regiochemistry

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