Question detail
What is the definition of a nucleophile?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Introduction to organic chemistry
Question
- A. A species that donates a pair of electrons
- B. A species that accepts a pair of electrons
- C. A neutral atom with no charge
- D. A positively charged ion
Answer
A species that donates a pair of electrons
Explanation
A nucleophile is defined as a species that donates a pair of electrons to form a chemical bond in a reaction. This definition is crucial in understanding reaction mechanisms in organic chemistry.
Common mistake
Confusing Nucleophiles and Electrophiles
Students often confuse nucleophiles with electrophiles, thinking both are electron donors.
Remember that nucleophiles are electron-rich species that donate electrons, while electrophiles are electron-deficient species that accept electrons. A nucleophile can be defined as a species that has a lone pair of electrons or a negative charge, whereas an electrophile is typically positively charged or has a partial positive charge.
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