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Why E2 is favored over SN2

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Sn2 requires a strong nucleophile while E2 requires a strong base. But relatively compared if you have a very strong base the E2 is preferred. Why is it so? Are there any general enthalpy data or something that explains this? I have searched the interenet for a while without finding any mathematical explanation as for example a general difference in enthalpy. And I wanted a that kind of explanation or some other justification. Can anyone help out with that? Some numbers like enthalpy would be great or a explanation in general.

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Solution Summary

An explanation of why E2 is favored over SN2 for secondary alkyl halides is given.

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You are comparing SN2 vs E2. Let's consider a secondary alkyl halide. The halide can either lose the leaving group and form a carbocation (E1) or the base can pick up the proton along with the leaving group leaving in the same step (E2). A base in organic chemistry is defined by its ability to pick up acidic protons. If a base is strong enough to pick up the acidic proton, then it will do so. If this happens, then the leaving group must leave in ...

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