> See also: > - Reference # Nucleophiles and Electrophiles In general terms: A nucleophile is often an electron-rich species that seeks another atom to share some of its electron density with. - The nucleophile is specifically looking for the ideal nucleus of another atom whose protons can An electrophile is often an electron-poor species ### Nucleophiles vs Electrophiles A **nucleophile** is an electron-rich atom or species that wants to form a bond. Ex: - Any atom with a lone-pair and a negative charge - Any uncharged atom with a lone-pair and a bond to hydrogen - Any Carbon-Carbon $\pi$ bond (double/triple bond) An **electrophile** is an electron-deficient atom or species The concept of **nucleophiles** and **electrophiles** is similar to that of [[acids and bases]] - *Nucleophile* -> *Lewis Base* - *Electrophile* -> *Lewis Acid*