Hofmann's Rule

Hofmann's Rule

Hofmann's Rule Implies That Steric Effects Have The Greatest Influence On The Outcome Of The Hofmann or Similar Eliminations. The Loss Of The β-hydrogen Occurs Preferably From The Most Unhindered (least Substituted) Position [-CH3 > -CH2-R > -CH(R2)]. The Product Alkene With Fewer Substitutents Will Predominate.

Ester Pyrolysis Also Obeys This Preference, And The Hofmann Rule Is Generally Followed Whenever A Reaction Passes Through A Cyclic Transition State.

Hofmann's Rule Is Valid For All Intramolecular Eliminations And For The Hofmann Elimination. Most Bimolecular Eliminations Will Follow Saytzeff's Rule.