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

7896 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Calculate the empirical and molecular formula of unknown compound A which gave an m/z of 181 in the mass spectrum for the molecular ion peak. Elemental analysis by combustion shows the compound is C 53%, O 35.4%, H 3.9% and N 7.7%.


Explain the trends in ionisation energies across the 2nd period of the periodic table?


Explain why fluorine is reactive


Describe the key properties that rely upon metallic bonding and explain this.


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