What is the result of an elimination reaction?

Study for the NCEA Level 2 Organic Chemistry Exam. Review key concepts with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with detailed explanations. Get prepared for your exam success!

An elimination reaction involves the removal of atoms or groups from a molecule, which results in the formation of a double bond. This process typically occurs in organic compounds where an alkyl halide or alcohol can lose a small molecule, such as water (in the case of dehydration) or hydrogen halide (in dehydrohalogenation), leading to unsaturation.

In an elimination reaction, for example, when a hydrogen atom and a leaving group (like a halogen) are removed from adjacent carbon atoms of a saturated compound, a double bond (alkene) is formed between those two carbons. This change not only increases the molecular complexity but also modifies the chemical properties of the molecule due to the creation of the double bond.

Therefore, the answer accurately describes the mechanism and outcome of typical elimination reactions in organic chemistry, highlighting the formation of a double bond as a significant characteristic of this type of reaction.

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