What are electrophiles and nucleophiles? Explain with examples.
Solution and Explanation
An electrophile is a reagent that takes away an electron pair. In other words, an electron-seeking reagent is called an electrophile (E+). Electrophiles are electron-deficient and can receive an electron pair.
Carbocations \((CH_3CH^+_2)\) and neutral molecules having functional groups such as the carbonyl group ( 
) are examples of electrophiles.
A nulceophile is a reagent that brings an electron pair. In other words, a nucleus-seeking reagent is called a nucleophile (Nu:).
For example: OH-, NC- , carbanions (R3C-), etc
Neutral molecules such as H2Ã- and ammonia also act as nucleophiles because of the presence of a lone pair.
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Concepts Used:
Organic Chemistry – Some Basic Principles and Techniques - Reaction Mechanism
SN1 Reaction Mechanism:
SN1 reaction mechanism takes place by following three steps –
- Formation of carbocation
- Attack of nucleophile
- Deprotonation
SN2 Reaction Mechanism:
The SN2 reaction mechanism involves the nucleophilic substitution reaction of the leaving group (which generally consists of halide groups or other electron-withdrawing groups) with a nucleophile in a given organic compound.
Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution Reaction Mechanism:
The mechanism of an electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction contains three main components which are:
- A new sigma bond from C=C is formed during the reaction in the arene nucleophile.
- Due to the breaking of the C-H sigma bond, a proton is removed.
- The C=C bond is reformed and it restores the aromaticity of the compound.
Electrophilic Substitution Reaction Mechanism:
The electrophilic substitution reaction mechanism is composed of three steps, which will be discussed more below.
- Electrophile Generation
- Carbocation Formation
- Proton Removal