The elimination of nitric acid from /3-nitroalkyl nitrates proceeds via an Elcb type of mechanism when the nitro and nitrate groups are attached to primary and secondary carbon atoms, respectively. Where the nitrate function is on a tertiary carbon, it has not been unequivocally shown that an E2 mechanism is operative, although the evidence points in that direction. Previous interpretation of the relative rate differences ascribed to 1,2-dinitrooctadecane, l-nitro-2-octadecyl nitrate, and l-nitro-2-octadecyl nitrite as differences in leaving group abilities may require reconsideration. Most likely these eliminations depend both on the leaving group abilities and on the acidity of the nitromethylene protons.