What's the difference between an electrophile and a nucleophile?

It's really useful to know that 'phile' means love.

Electrophiles 'love' negative charge - this means they are attracted to regions of negative charge. And as such they tend to be positively charged.

Similarily Nucleophiles 'love' positive charge, so they tend to be negatively charged and will seek out postively charged regions.

SM
Answered by Sophie M. Chemistry tutor

8141 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain why the atomic radii of the elements decrease across Period 3 from sodium to chlorine


Describe briefly the nature of metallic bonding and use this to explain why metals are malleable (can be hammered into shape) and conduct electricity


How does pH relate to pKa?


Explain the trend in 1st ionisation energy across the period 3 elements, explaining the anomalies of aluminium and sulfur.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning