Electrophilic interaction refers to the attraction between an electron-deficient species, known as an electrophile, and an electron-rich species, typically a nucleophile. This interaction is a fundamental mechanism in organic chemistry, driving many reactions such as electrophilic addition and substitution processes.

Electrophilic Interaction

Electron-deficient species

An electrophile is a chemical species that accepts an electron pair, often seeking to form a bond by interacting with a nucleophile. Electrophiles are typically positively charged or neutral with an electron-deficient atom, making them reactive in chemical reactions such as electrophilic addition and substitution.

Electrophile

Electron-rich species

A nucleophile is a chemical species that donates an electron pair to form a chemical bond in reaction. Nucleophiles are typically characterized by their electron-rich nature and their ability to form bonds with electrophiles, which are electron-deficient species.

Nucleophile

Fundamental mechanism in organic chemistry

Electrophilic addition is a reaction where an electrophile reacts with a nucleophile, typically involving alkenes or alkynes, to form a more saturated molecule. This process is fundamental in organic chemistry for transforming unsaturated hydrocarbons into more complex structures by adding atoms across a double or triple bond.

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