42 e1 reaction energy diagram
E1-CB energy diagram: As the mechanism shows, this is a two step process, similar to S N 1 and E1 reaction pathways. The major change, however, is that the proton is removed in step 1 of an E1-CB system. Proton removal is the lowest energy of both steps in an E1-CB reaction and is not rate limiting. The reactions energy diagrams shown above are for single step reactions. In a single reaction step there is only one barrier (hump) in the diagram. Likewise in a two step reaction there are two humps or activation barriers. In multi-step reactions the species in between both steps is an called an intermediate. Let’s break down the steps of the E1 reaction and characterize them on the energy diagram: Step 1: Loss of he leaving group. The energy diagram of the E1 mechanism demonstrates the loss of the leaving group as the slow step with the higher activation energy barrier: The dotted lines in the transition state indicate a partially broken C-Br bond. The Br being the more electron...