What is the Difference Between Elimination and Substitution Reaction?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between elimination and substitution reactions lies in the process and the outcome of the reactions. Here are the key differences:
- Process: In a substitution reaction, an atom or a functional group replaces another atom or group. In an elimination reaction, the removal of atoms takes place, and no new group replaces the removed atom or group.
- Reaction Type: Substitution reactions can be classified into SN1 and SN2 reactions, while elimination reactions can be classified into E1 and E2 reactions.
- Nature of Reagents: Substitution reactions involve the use of nucleophiles, which are electron-rich species that tend to donate electron pairs. Elimination reactions involve the use of a base, which can be either strong or weak.
- Leaving Group: Both substitution and elimination reactions require a leaving group to initiate the reaction. The leaving group is an atom or a group that leaves the molecule during the course of the reaction.
- Occurrence: Substitution reactions are favored by the presence of nucleophiles, while elimination reactions are favored by heat or strong bases.
Some factors that can influence whether a substitution or elimination reaction occurs include the type of halogenoalkane, the presence of a good leaving group, and the reaction conditions such as temperature and the presence of a base or nucleophile.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Elimination and Substitution Reaction? Comparative Table: Elimination vs Substitution Reaction
Comparative Table: Elimination vs Substitution Reaction
Here is a comparison table of elimination and substitution reactions:
Feature | Elimination Reactions | Substitution Reactions |
---|---|---|
Definition | Elimination reactions involve the removal of two molecules from a precursor molecule, forming a double bond or a ring structure. | Substitution reactions involve the replacement of one atom or group of atoms with another in a molecule. |
Type of Nucleophile | Strong bases are frequently used, such as hydroxide ions (OH-). | Weaker nucleophiles or Lewis acids, such as alkyl halides, are used. |
Type of Halogenoalkane | Primary, secondary, and tertiary halogenoalkanes can undergo elimination reactions. | Primary and secondary halogenoalkanes undergo substitution reactions, while tertiary halogenoalkanes do not. |
Major Product | Elimination reactions usually produce alkenes or rings. | Substitution reactions usually produce alcohols or other substituted molecules. |
Factors Influencing the Reaction | The type of halogenoalkane and the strong base used are the main factors influencing the reaction. | The type of halogenoalkane, nucleophile, solvent polarity, leaving group ability, and steric effects influence the reaction. |
Keep in mind that elimination and substitution reactions can sometimes compete with each other, leading to a mixture of products. The choice of nucleophile and other factors can significantly impact the reaction observed.
Read more:
- Synthesis Reaction vs Substitution Reaction
- Addition vs Substitution Reaction
- Alpha vs Beta Elimination Reaction
- Elimination vs Excretion
- Electrophilic vs Nucleophilic Substitution
- Combination vs Decomposition Reaction
- Oxidative Addition vs Reductive Elimination
- Free Radical Substitution vs Nucleophilic Substitution
- Synthesis Reaction vs Dissociation Reaction
- Single Displacement vs Double Displacement Reaction
- Free Radical Substitution vs Free Radical Addition
- Alternate vs Substitute
- Elementary vs Complex Reaction
- Oxidation Reaction vs Reduction Reaction
- Reactants vs Products
- Transitive Property vs Substitution Property
- Homogeneous vs Heterogeneous Reactions
- Elementary vs Non Elementary Reaction
- Adulteration vs Substitution