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.

Answered by Claire S. Chemistry tutor

5635 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why do transition metals form coloured solutions?


How will a catalyst affect the position of equilibrium?


What is optical isomerism and how can you distinguish between optical isomers?


How to answer the question: How does a bicarbonate buffer solution control pH when either an acid or a base is added?


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 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy