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

7497 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain why Br2 has a higher melting point than Cl2


Describe a simple way to distinguish between aqueous solutions of potassium nitrate (KNO3) and potassium sulfate (K2SO4) using one test tube reaction


Why is the Mg2+ ion smaller in radius than the Na+ ion?


pH and Kw question: A student dissolves 1.75g of a drain cleaner (based on NaOH) in water and makes the solution up to 100cm3. The student measures the solution pH as 13.60. Determine the percentage of NaOH in the drain cleaner, in terms of mass (g).


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