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

6820 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Balance the following redox equation: PbO2 + SO32- ==> Pb2+ + SO42-


Draw the mechanism for the reaction of an acid chloride with an alcohol to form an ester


How does pH relate to pKa?


What are the stereochemical implications of bimolecular and unimolecular nucleophilic substitution?


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