Question 12
What are electrophiles and nucleophiles? Explain with examples.
An electrophile is a reagent that takes away an electron pair. In other words, an electron-seeking reagent is called an electrophile (E+). Electrophiles are electron-deficient and can receive an electron pair.
Carbocationsand (CH3CH+2) neutral molecules having functional groups such as carbonyl group (
) are examples of electrophiles.
A nulceophile is a reagent that brings an electron pair. In other words, a nucleus-seeking reagent is called a nulceophile (Nu:).
For example: OH-, NC-, carbanions (R3C-), etc.
Neutral molecules such as H2ö and ammonia also act as nulceophiles because of the presence of a lone pair.
