The reaction of 2-bromo-1-phenylethanone with sodium hydroxide in ethanol is an example of an E2 elimination reaction. As shown in Figure 1, the reaction proceeds through a concerted mechanism, resulting in the formation of styrene. The reaction rate is dependent on the concentration of both the substrate and the base, indicating a bimolecular process. The Hammond-Leffler postulate suggests that the transition state of the reaction should resemble the more stable product, which in this case is the alkene. The energy diagram of the reaction is also provided in Figure 1, illustrating the energy of the reactants, products, and transition state.
Figure 1: Energy diagram of the E2 elimination reaction of 2-bromo-1-phenylethanone to form styrene.
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Based on the passage and Figure 1, which of the following conclusions is BEST supported about the E2 elimination reaction of 2-bromo-1-phenylethanone?
