What is nucleophile?

A nucleophile is a species which can donate a lone pair of electrons to an electron deficient species, known as an electrophile. By doing this, a chemical bond is formed.An example of a reaction involving a nucleophile would by nucleophilic substitution. As the nucleophile attacks to form a bond, a leaving group departs, with the breaking of a bond.Nucleophiles often have lone pairs or double bonds. Some good examples of nucleophiles are water, ammonia, the hydroxide ion and the thiocyanate ion.

CS
Answered by Claire S. Chemistry tutor

7331 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain why the first ionisation energy of sulfur is different from that of phosphorus.


Which compound has a higher boiling point and why: water (H2O) or methane (CH4)?


Describe how propenal, propanal and propanone can be distinguished from one another by simple chemical tests.


How to balance equations?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences