Hofmann elimination reaction

Definition

The Hofmann elimination reaction is a chemical process where an amine is converted into an alkene through the treatment with excess methyl iodide, followed by silver oxide (Ag2O), and then heating with water. This reaction involves the removal of a hydrogen atom and a leaving group from adjacent carbon atoms in a substrate, leading to the formation of a double bond.

Related terms

Amines: Organic compounds derived from ammonia by replacement of one or more hydrogen atoms with organic groups; they act as precursors in Hofmann elimination reactions.

Alkenes: Hydrocarbons containing at least one carbon-carbon double bond; they are the primary product formed in Hofmann elimination reactions.

Leaving group: An atom or group that can easily depart from a parent molecule in a chemical reaction, making it crucial for reactions like Hofmann elimination where its departure helps form new compounds