Heuristic chemistry-elimination reactions

Abstract

Besides additions and substitutions, elimination reactions play a fundamental role in organic synthesis. However, conceptual reviews of known 1,x-elimination patterns that go beyond the typical olefin-forming 1,2-eliminations are scarce. To develop a broader understanding of elimination reactions, we follow a heuristic approach and deduce recurrent reaction patterns from traditional and specific elimination reactions. Our work demonstrates that 1,x-elimination reactions and their outcomes can be easily rationalized by defined mnemonic categories. A little common sense goes a long way! Recurrent motifs and patterns of various elimination reactions in organic synthesis are discussed. We derive and exemplify heuristic guidelines for describing and predicting elimination reactions with classical and contemporary transformations. Heuristic principles allow an easier classification of reactions, bring order to diversity, and encourage a change in how we teach and perceive organic chemistry. © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.