Question

Which of the following is the incorrect statement concerning E1 reaction?

• A. Polar protic solvent increases reactivity
• B. Good leaving group favours the reation
• C. Reaction proceeds via carbocation intermediates
• D. Strong base is preferred for abstraction of proton

Answer 1

The correct option is D Strong base is preferred for abstraction of proton

E1 reaction is a two step process.
In step 1, leaving group leaves and form a carbocation. Thus, carbocation intermediate is formed.
In step 2, the base will attack the proton and proton abstraction takes place.
Slowest step in the reaction is the rate determining step.

In E1, formation of carbocation is the slowest step. Hence, it is the rate determining step.
Thus, the rate of the reaction depends on the rate of formation of carbocation.
Therefore, good leaving group will favour the reaction by ease of formation of carbocation.

Polar protic solvent solvates the halide ion formed due to C-X bond breaking. It also helps in the breaking by solvating the X. Hence, polar protic solvent increases reactivity.

Since, proton abstraction is not rate determining step we can use any base. However, a stronger base may leads to side reactions, weak & moderate bases are preferred.