Question

Which of the following statements regarding the E2 mechanism is wrong?

• A. Reactions by the E2 mechanism are always bimolecular.
• B. Reactions by the E2 mechanism are generally second order.
• C. Reactions by the E2 mechanism usually occur in one step.
• D. Reactions by the E2 mechanism usually occur in two steps.

Answer 1

The correct option is D Reactions by the E2 mechanism usually occur in two steps.

E2 is a bimolecular reaction. It is a single step reaction goes through a single transition state. It is a concerted reaction. In E2 reaction, two groups/atoms depart simultaneously from adjacent carbons with a proton being abstracted by a base. Thus option d is wrong as E2 is a single step reaction.