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

7818 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe the 3 types of isomers?


How does hydrogen bonding work?


Explain why: a) Fluorine is more electronegative than chlorine b)∆H hydration fluoride is more negative than ∆H hydration chloride


What is a test for iron(III) compounds?


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