Nucleophile vs Electrophile

[Ajith Raja 2L]

I had a question on identifying if something was an electrophile or a nucleophile. Doesn't it depend on what the molecule is surrounded by rather than the molecule itself? Because couldn't a molecule be a nucleophile but if it is surrounded by different molecules it could be an electrophile? Thank you.

[Christine_Mavilian_3E]

Generally speaking, you can identify whether something is a nucleophile or electrophile simply when the molecule is by itself. For instance, Cl- is a nucleophile while neutral Cl is an electrophile. However, if you combine molecules to form a compound, the compound can be a nucleophile or electrophile regardless of what the molecule is by itself. For instance, Cl- is a nucleophile but AlCl3 is an electrophile.

I hope this answers your question!

[DanielaWong_2G]

I think it has to do with whether or not the molecule has electrons that are readily available. If it does, it would be considered a nucleophile

[Michael Lesgart 1H]

Also, it is useful to note electronegativity in a molecule that can cause it to become an electrophile. For example, CO2 is an electrophile because of the dipole moments created by the negative charge of the O with the positive charge of the C, and the electronegativity of the Oxygens cause the Carbon to become more positive in charge, thus making CO2 an electrophile.

[Amber Duong 1B]

Generally, a nucleophile is a molecule that has lone pairs to donate and can be neutral or negatively charged (more electronegative). On the other hand, electrophiles want to have a complete set of 8 valence electrons and are usually neutral or positively charged (less electronegative). The surroundings of a molecule dictate whether the electrons favor one molecule over another due to differences in electronegativity.

[Samuel_Vydro_1I]

Nucleophile is simply a fancy way of saying -- molecule that has a lone pair to bond with a molecule that needs an electron. Electrophile is a fancy way of saying-- molecule that needs an electron. Cl to Cl- is something you can remember from 14a

[kristinalaudis3e]

nucleophiles can donate lone pairs while electrophiles want to gain an electron

[Tara Cumiskey 3K]

I think that you look at the molecule itself and it’s electrons, unless it is specified that you look at the compound.