Electrophile is an ion or
molecule that is electron deficient and can accept electrons. Electrophiles are
often reducing agents and Lewis acids. They are either positive ions (e.g. NO2+)
or molecules that have a positive charge on a particular atom (e.g. SO3,
which has an electron deficient sulphur atom). In organic reactions they tend
to attack negatively charged parts of a molecule. Types of electrophiles: Lewis
acids, cations and electron deficient sites in organic compounds
Nucleophile is an ion or
molecule that can donate electrons. Nucleophiles are often oxidizing agents and
Lewis bases. They are either negative ions (e.g. Cl–) or molecules
that have electron pairs (e.g. NH3). In organic reactions they tend
to attack positively charged parts of a molecule. Types of nucleophiles: Lewis
bases, anions and electron rich sites in organic compounds.