Question

Identify the reagents shown in bold in the following equations as nucleophiles or electrophiles: 

Answer 1

Electrophiles are electron-deficient species and can receive an electron pair. On the other hand, nucleophiles are electron-rich species and can donate their electrons. 

Here, HO^– acts as a nucleophile as it is an electron-rich species, i.e., it is a nucleusseeking species. 

Here, –CN acts as a nucleophile as it is an electron-rich species, i.e., it is a nucleusseeking species. 

Here, CH₃C⁺O acts as an electrophile as it is an electron-deficient species.