The reverse of an
addition reaction or
transformation. In an elimination two groups (called eliminands) are lost most often from two different centres (1/2/elimination or 1/3/elimination, etc.) with concomitant formation of an unsaturation in the molecule (double bond, triple bond) or formation of a new ring. If the groups are lost from a single centre (α-elimination, 1/1/elimination) the resulting product is a
carbene or a '
carbene analogue'.
Source:
PAC, 1994, 66, 1077
(Glossary of terms used in physical organic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1994))
on page 1112