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

7984 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe the difference in melting points for the elements Sodium and Magnesium


Explain why the boiling point of PH3 is lower than the boiling point of AsH3


Explain the trend of first ionisation energy down a group.


What is the definition of a Brownsted-Lowry acid?


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