Chapter 8, Problem 8.39P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The given reaction and the data are consistent with which mechanism, $\text{E1 or E2}$, is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

The unimolecular elimination $\text{(E1)}$ reaction is the first order reaction, that is, the reaction rate is directly proportional to the concentration of substrate; independent of the concentration of the nucleophile or the base.

The bimolecular elimination $\text{(E2)}$ reaction is the second order reaction, that is, the reaction rate is directly proportional to both the concentration of substrate and the concentration of the nucleophile or the base.