E2 reaction

The E2 reaction

The E2 reaction is a single-step displacement of a leaving group by the electrons from a vicinal C-H bond. During the transition state, the C=C bond forms at the same time that the bonds to the leaving group and the α-hydrogen break.

Click to see this diagrammed.

Animations:
animated GIF

SN1 SN2 E1 E2
listed by Intute