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

8281 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What chemical tests are appropriate to identify Butanoic acid, Propanal and 2-methyl propan-2-ol?


How does infrared spectroscopy work and where might you see it used in real life?


What is a curly arrow?


Give the reagents required for the nitration of toluene (methylbenzene) to 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene and provide a mechanism.


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