Dehydrohalogenation is a chemical reaction that involves the removal of a hydrogen atom and a halogen atom from a molecule, typically an alkyl halide. This process often leads to the formation of an alkene, which is a type of hydrocarbon with a carbon-carbon double bond. The reaction usually requires a strong base to facilitate the elimination of the halogen and hydrogen. In organic chemistry, dehydrohalogenation is significant for synthesizing alkenes from alkyl halides. It is commonly used in various applications, including the production of pharmaceuticals and other organic compounds. Understanding this reaction is essential for chemists working with organic synthesis and reaction mechanisms.