Nucleophiles and Electronegativity

[Erick_Hernandez_3L]

Taking into consideration question 4.4 in Intro to O Chem (Which is a stronger nucleophile and why? Br- or F-?). Answer: Br-.

Is the strength of nucleophiles dependent on electronegativity?

[Edward_Lee_3C]

Nucleophiles want to be positive so they want to lose electrons. Because Br- is simply a bigger atom its electrons are held farther way therefore making it easier to remove than F-'s. But electronegativity is "electron pulling power" so that can be applied as well.

[Paul Sedaros 1B]

Nucleophiles are affected by the electronegativity of the element involved. As electronegativity increases, the nucleophilicity of an element decreases, and that is why Br- is a stronger nucleophile than F- (because fluorine's electronegativity is greater than that of bromine).

[Vivian Nguyen 2A]

The stronger nucleophile is the species that has electrons more readily available to be involved in a reaction. Thus, because Br- with its loosely bound 36 electrons, which translates to higher polarizability, is more likely to act as a source of electrons than F- with its tightly bound 10 electrons, which equates to lower polarizability.

[Erick_Hernandez_3L]

Thanks!

[swatiperepa]

Do we need to have the more complex nucleophiles and electrophiles in chapter 4 (the ones drawn out in the first few pages of the chapter) of the organic course reader memorized? Or are those simply for reference?

[705748759]

Nucleophiles are affected by the electronegativity of the element involved.