Which of the following specific conditions strongly favor an elimination pathway over a competing pa — Reaction Mechanism Chemistry Question
Question
Which of the following specific conditions strongly favor an $E1$ elimination pathway over a competing $E2$ pathway?
💡 Solution & Explanation
$E1$ proceeds via a distinct carbocation intermediate, not requiring a strong base to force proton removal (A is true). Polar protic solvents strongly stabilize both the leaving halide and the resulting carbocation intermediate, lowering the activation energy for $E1$ (B is true). A high concentration of a strong base heavily favors the concerted bimolecular $E2$ collision (C is false). Formation of a stable carbocation is absolutely necessary to navigate the high energy $E1$ rate-determining step (D is true).