Module 2

Lesson 2.4  Elimination Reactions



Key Concepts


Elimination reactions are organic reactions that involve creation of a double bond through the elimination of atoms and/or groups of atoms from adjacent carbon atoms.  

Elimination reactions are of various types.

  1. Dehydrogenation

    Dehydrogenation is the removal of two hydrogen atoms. For example, the following reaction depicts the dehydrogenation of ethane. This reaction, commonly known as ethane cracking, produces ethene or "ethylene". Used to synthesize many hydrocarbon derivatives, ethene is the cornerstone of the Alberta petrochemical industry. 




  2. Dehydration   Another example of an elimination reaction involves the removal of a water molecule from an alcohol molecule. This type of elimination reaction is a dehydration.





  3. Dehydrohalogenation
    Halogenated hydrocarbons can undergo elimination reactions in the presence of bases.
     




 To better understand elimination reactions read pages 431 to 434 in your textbook.

Check Your Understanding


Complete Practice Questions 18, 19, 20 on page 433 of the textbook.

Check your answers by clicking the banner below.

Page 433 Practice Question 18





Page 433 Practice Question 19








Page 433 Practice Question 20