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

7693 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Name the type of reaction and outline the mechanism for the reaction of the alcohol (CH3)2CHOH with the acyl chloride CH3COCl. Explain which orbitals take part in the reaction.


Explain how the electron pair repulsion theory can be used to deduce the shape of, and the bond angle in, PF3


How does the anticancer agent cisplatin work?


Describe the features of a benzene ring that define its reactivity. How does phenol differ from this?


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