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

6823 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

In terms of Electrostatic Forces, Suggest why the ‘Electron Affinity’ of Fluorine has a Negative value.


What is relative molecular mass (RMM) and why use carbon-12?


Calculate the mass, in grams, of CH3CH2NH2 produced from 32.9 g of CH3CH2I reacting with an excess of NH3 assuming a 70.0% yield.


How would you name complex organic compounds?


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