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

7916 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain in terms of bonding and structure the properties of graphite given that it is a good conductor, soft and has a very high melting point


Why does a catalyst speed up a chemical reaction?


Why does the solubility of Group 2 hydroxides in water increase down the group?


What is an enthalpy change?


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