Question 12

What are electrophiles and nucleophiles? Explain with examples.

Answer

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 receiver of an electron pair.

Carbocations and (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.

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