Master the E2 Reaction Mechanism: The Full Step-by-Step Guide

We cover the complete reaction mechanism for E2 (biomolecular elimination) in organic chemistry: mechanism, Zaitsev's Rule for determining major products, when Zaitsev's Rule FAILS (Hofmann Elimination), and tricky cases like cyclic structures and choosing the major product between a pair of cis/trans isomers. (Zaitsev's Rule is also called Zaytsev's Rule, Saytzeff's Rule, or Saytzev's Rule.) Refreshers & Related Videos:    • Newman Projections of Butane      • Cyclohexane:  Conformations and Ring Inver...   If you're studying organic chemistry reaction mechanisms, watch this:    • Reaction Mechanisms in Organic Chemistry: ...   If you need a refresher on chirality for mechanisms to make sense, start here:    • Chirality & Stereochemistry Full Unit (R/S...   For all of my ochem videos in one place:    • Organic Chemistry: Full Video Library   If you need to take the MCAT:    • MCAT Chemistry Review: General & Organic C...   🧪Support free education & more through Patreon!   / chemistryinanutshell   Tactical Gear for 3D Vision: My specific wooden model set is now classified as "vintage," but the following modern kits are the current standard for mastering 3D reality: • The Student Essential: (High-quality, 54 atoms, optimized for the basics) - https://amzn.to/4ctdpLc • The Student Expansion Pack: (72 atoms for complex stereochemistry and advanced mechanisms) - https://amzn.to/429eenH 🔬As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Start any shopping journey here: https://amzn.to/3IXuAcS 0:00 Bimolecular Elimination Reactions 0:25 E2 Overall Equation 1:45 E2 Generic Pattern 4:29 Symmetrical (Easier) Example 6:42 Zaitsev's Rule Example 9:53 Hofmann Elimination (4 Exceptions to Zaitsev's Rule) 10:16 1 Conjugated Double Bond Systems 11:35 2 Bulky Bases 12:17 3 Leaving Group is too Basic 13:31 Fluorides... 13:54 4 Anti- & Syn- 16:42 Cyclic Systems 20:51 cis- vs trans- Major & Minor Products 21:31 Newman Projection Leading to Major Product 22:28 Newman Projection Leading to Minor Product 22:58 Why these lead to major vs minor 24:23 Newman Projections You Can Ignore 25:26 & when you can't ignore Citations: Paula Yurkanis Bruice, "Organic Chemistry" 8th ed Chapter 9, base reactivity data from table 9.5 https://openstax.org/details/books/or... https://openstax.org/details/books/ch... Music:    • Electron Clouds with a Chance of Swing