A nucleophile is best described as what?

Study for the CIE Chemistry Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Level Test. Prepare with multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations. Master the exam!

Multiple Choice

A nucleophile is best described as what?

Explanation:
Nucleophiles donate electron density to an electron-poor site. They carry lone pairs or π electrons that can be shared with a positively polarized center, so they act as Lewis bases. This bond-forming role is about supplying an electron pair, not accepting one. They aren’t focused on radicals, and they aren’t electron pair acceptors. So the best description is an electron pair donor. For example, hydroxide or ammonia uses its lone pair to attack an electrophilic carbon or proton, forming a new bond by donating electrons.

Nucleophiles donate electron density to an electron-poor site. They carry lone pairs or π electrons that can be shared with a positively polarized center, so they act as Lewis bases. This bond-forming role is about supplying an electron pair, not accepting one. They aren’t focused on radicals, and they aren’t electron pair acceptors. So the best description is an electron pair donor. For example, hydroxide or ammonia uses its lone pair to attack an electrophilic carbon or proton, forming a new bond by donating electrons.

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