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.

HP
Answered by Henry P. Chemistry tutor

6889 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Comparing aluminium and magnesium, which has a lower first ionisation energy? Explain.


Explain the resistance to bromination of benzene in comparison to phenol.


Explain why water molecules form on average two hydrogen bonds per molecule, whereas ammonia molecules (NH3) form only one.


Give the full electron configuration for the sodium ion, Na+.


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