E1 reaction

The E1 reaction

The E1 reaction is a two-step reaction in which
  1. The leaving group leaves, forming a carbocation. This is the slow step, and so the rate is dependent only on the concentration of the substrate.
  2. The base deprotonates the carbocation to form the alkene.

Click to see this diagrammed.

Animations:
animated GIF

SN1 SN2 E1 E2
listed by Intute