α-elimination

  1. A transformation of the general type:
    A00007
    where the central atom Z is commonly carbon. The reverse reaction is called α-addition.
    Source:
    PAC, 1994, 66, 1077 (Glossary of terms used in physical organic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1994)) on page 1088
  2. (in photochemistry) General term applied to a reaction by which a group attached to the alpha carbon of an excited chromophore is expelled either as an odd electron species or as an ionic species.
    Note:
    This reaction should be distinguished from an alpha-(α-)cleavage.
    Source:
    PAC, 2007, 79, 293 (Glossary of terms used in photochemistry, 3rd edition (IUPAC Recommendations 2006)) on page 302