In an elimination reaction, a small molecule is removed leaving behind an alkene
This is another reaction of halogenoalkanes
The halogenoalkanes are heated with ethanolic sodium hydroxide causing the C-X bond to break heterolytically, forming a X– ion and leaving an alkene as organic product
E.g. bromoethane reacts with ethanolic sodium hydroxide when heated to form ethene
Hydrogen bromide is eliminated to form ethene
Elimination Mechanism of 2-bromopropane with hydroxide ions