How to Ace E2 Eliminations Questions on Your Exam

Have you ever stared at a E2 Eliminations problem and felt like you were reading another language? You aren't alone. Let's break down exactly why this trips up so many students.

The 3-Step Exam Strategy

1. Isolate: Extract the exact variables from the prompt.
2. Anticipate the Trap: The professor is betting you will end up not checking for anti-periplanar geometry. Know this before you write your first line.
3. Execute: Follow the algorithm. For instance: For E2 to happen in a cyclohexane ring, the leaving group and the hydrogen MUST both be in axial positions. If they are equatorial, the reaction stalls..

If you get stuck, do not burn 15 minutes staring at it. Write down the formula, get partial credit, and move on.

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