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

7226 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is a mole?


Explain why the product of a nucleophilic addition to butanone does not effect plane polarized light.


Why is ethylamine a stronger base than phenylamine?


Explain briefly how instantaneous dipole - induced dipole bonds form.


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning