Question

What are electrophiles and nucleophiles? Explain with examples.

Answer 1

An electrophile is reagent that takes away an electron pair. In other words, an electron seeking reagent is a called an electrophile $\left(E^{+}\right)$. Electrophiles are electron-deficient and can receive an electron pair.

Carbocations $C{H}_{3}C{H}_2^{+}$ and neutral molecules having functional groups such as carbonyl group are examples of electrophiles.

A nucleophile is a reagent that brings an electron pair. In other words, a nucleus-seeking reagent is called a nulceophile (Nu:).

For example: $O{H}^{-}$, $N{C}^{-}$, carbanions $R_3{C}^{-}$, etc.

Neutral molecules such as $H_{2}O$ and ammonia also act as nucleophiles because of the presence of a lone pair, that is it can donate an electron pair.