What occurs in an elimination reaction?

In an elimination reaction, the process involves the removal of atoms or groups from a molecule, typically resulting in the formation of a double or triple bond. The correct answer describes the formation of two products, which is a hallmark of this type of reaction. In an elimination reaction, as one part of the molecule is removed, the remaining parts can often rearrange or bond more tightly, leading to the generation of two distinct products.

This contrasts with the idea of adding new atoms or groups to a compound, which would suggest an addition reaction instead. The concept of electron exchange pertains more to redox reactions rather than eliminations. Similarly, the addition of one product to an existing compound implies a different type of reaction mechanism that does not align with the characteristics of eliminations. Therefore, the formation of two products most accurately captures the essence of what occurs during an elimination reaction.