Question

Which of the following is/are correct regarding effect of polar protic solvent on $E_1$ elimination of alkyl halides?

• A. It solvates the halide ion $\left(X^{-}\right)$formed due to $C-X$ bond breaking.
• B. The solvent also solvates the base.
• C. It favours an $E_1$ elimination reaction.
• D. All of the above.

Answer 1

The correct option is D All of the above.

Effect of nature of solvent in $E_1$ elimination:
Before the breaking of $C-X$ bond, a polar protic solvent will solvate the $X$ and induce the breaking of $C-X$ bond.

Polar protic solvent solvates the $\left(X^{-}\right)$ halide ion i.e. the leaving group formed due to the $C-X$ bond breaking.

Solvation of leaving group:

Polar protic solvent will solvate the base too.
Therefore, a polar protic solvent favours an $E_1$ elimination