The water-promoted elimination reactions of (R, S)-1-(1-X-ethyl) indene 1-X [X= Cl, Br, I, OBs (4-bromophenylsulfonyloxy)] and the corresponding (R, R) isomers 2-X in 25 vol% acetonitrile in water exhibit non-stereospecific and stereospecific 1, 2 elimination, respectively. The reactions are E1cB and E2 type reactions; the conclusion is based upon measured large kinetic deuterium isotope effects and Brønsted β parameters. The rate of ...