Chapter 7, Problem 61P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The most likely mechanism of below reaction should be written. Also, role of strong acid should be determined.

  

Concept introduction: Carbocations generated from alkyl halides have two fates; they can be either trapped by nucleophiles to give substitution product or may deprotonate to yield a small amount of alkene.

If the leaving group present eliminates along with a proton in absence of any strong nucleophile the double bond formation might occur. Such reactions are known as two step unimolecular elimination, abbreviated as $\text{E1}$ .If the still higher concentration is employed, reaction proceeds via bimolecular elimination. On the other hand, the weak base waits until the carbocation is formed and the type of elimination with a relatively weak base is two-step elimination or $\text{E1}$ .