E1 vs E2: Fast Identification on Exams: Decision Framework + Practice

Decide E1 vs E2 quickly using substrate, base strength, solvent, temperature, and rearrangement/stereochemistry clues; predict Zaitsev vs Hofmann products.

  • Reaction: E1 vs E2: Fast Identification on Exams
  • What it does: Decide E1 vs E2 quickly using substrate, base strength, solvent, temperature, and rearrangement/stereochemistry clues; predict Zaitsev vs Hofmann products.
  • Typical reagents: Compare: t‑BuOK (E2) vs H2O, heat (E1)
  • Key intermediate: Carbocation
  • Driving force: Formation of more stable bonds / products
  • Exam type: Predict major product
  • Exam type: Mechanism choice

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