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.
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.
) are examples of electrophiles.
