SN1 Reaction: pH Effects

[justadream]

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Why does high pH increase the favorability of a SN1 reaction over an E1 reaction?


I got this from TBR OChem I page 228 #39

EDIT: Is it because high pH prevents protonation of the nucleophile?

 

[techfan]

I wonder if the question is trying to ask a "common rule" backwards. Protic solvents (those with a low pH) tend to favor elimination reactions because the nucleophile (highly negative group) gets surrounded by the protons and can't attach as well. Which is exactly what you said.