An elimination reaction is a type of chemical reaction where two atoms or groups are removed from a molecule, resulting in the formation of a double bond or a ring structure. This process often occurs in organic chemistry, where compounds like alkanes or alkyl halides lose small molecules, such as water or hydrogen halides, to create more complex structures. These reactions are important in synthesizing various organic compounds and can be categorized into two main types: E1 and E2 mechanisms. In an E1 reaction, the elimination occurs in two steps, while in an E2 reaction, it happens in a single concerted step. Understanding these mechanisms helps chemists design efficient pathways for creating desired products.