Question

Why is ${\mathrm{NO}}_2^{+}$ an electrophile?

Answer 1

Electrophile:

1. Electrophiles are species that are electron-deficient yet attracted to an electron-rich center.
2. Electrophiles accept an electron pair in order to establish a connection with a nucleophile that includes proton and base interactions.

Nitronium ion:

1. When an ion seeks an electron, it is said to be electrophile.
2. In ${\mathrm{NO}}_2^{+}$ (nitronium ion), the nitrogen atom forms a double bond with one oxygen atom and a coordinate covalent link with the other oxygen atom.
3. As a result, the nitrogen atom has an unpaired electron that is ionized by the positive charge.
4. Because the nitrogen in ${\mathrm{NO}}_2^{+}$ is not surrounded by an octet, it is an electrophile.

Hence, ${\mathrm{NO}}_2^{+}$ is an electrophile.