Substitution vs. Elimination Identifying the Mechanism s

We mentioned that thete ate thtee main steps fot ptedicting the products of substitution and elimination reactions. In the previous section, we explored the first step (identifying the function of the reagent). In this section, we now explore the second step of the process in which we analyze the substrate and identify which mechanism(s) operate. 

As described in the previous section, there are four categories of reagents. For each category, we must explore the expected outcome with a primary, secondary, or tertiary substrate. Then, we will summarize all of the information in one master flow chart. Let s begin with reagents that function only as nucleophiles. 

Possible Outcomes for Reagents That Function Only as Nucleophiles 

The outcomes to be expected when a primary, secondary, or tertiary substrate is treated with a reagent that functions only as a nucleophile. 

---