nucleophile
Seeks positive charge
A nucleophile is a chemical species that donates electrons to form a bond with another atom.
The term comes from "nucleus-loving"—nucleophiles are attracted to positive charges.
In organic chemistry, nucleophiles attack electron-deficient carbon atoms: Water acts as a nucleophile in this reaction.
Common nucleophiles include hydroxide ions, ammonia, and halide ions.
Exchange of one for another
- additionJoining quantities mathematically
- eliminationAct of removing entirely
- SN1One-step nucleophilic replacement
- SN2Concerted nucleophilic displacement
intermediate · kinetics · activation · inversion · retention · concerted · stepwise · tetrahedral
Underlying supporting material
- reactivityTendency to chemically combine
- basicityDegree of alkaline character
- solvationSolvent enveloping solute molecules
- softnessYielding to gentle pressure
hardness · attack · displacement · rate · selectivity · competing · strength · borderline
Negative charges in atoms
- anionNegatively charged ion
- donorOne who contributes freely
- orbitalRevolving around another
- chargeCost or accusation
negative · unshared · hybridization · resonance · delocalized
Alkaline oxygen-hydrogen compound
- cyanideToxic carbon-nitrogen compound
- halideHalogen-element compound
- amineAmmonia-derived organic compound
- azideTriple-nitrogen anion
hydride · ammonia · water · iodide · bromide · phosphine · sulfide
Protein that hastens reactions
- serineProtein-forming amino acid
- cysteineThiol-containing amino acid
- histidineAmino acid, essential early
- cofactorEnzyme-activating compound
coenzyme · substrate · hydrolysis · proteolysis · kinase · transferase · nuclease
Adding hydrocarbon groups chemically
- ring-openingCleaving a cyclic structure
- esterificationForming esters chemically
- phosphorylationPhosphate group attachment process
- WilliamsonPatronymic surname
substitution
Exchange of one for another
- additionJoining quantities mathematically
- eliminationAct of removing entirely
- SN1One-step nucleophilic replacement
SN2 · intermediate · kinetics · activation · inversion · retention · concerted · stepwise · tetrahedral
substrate
Underlying supporting material
- reactivityTendency to chemically combine
- basicityDegree of alkaline character
- solvationSolvent enveloping solute molecules
softness · hardness · attack · displacement · rate · selectivity · competing · strength · borderline
electrons
Negative charges in atoms
charge · negative · unshared · hybridization · resonance · delocalized
hydroxide
Alkaline oxygen-hydrogen compound
- cyanideToxic carbon-nitrogen compound
- halideHalogen-element compound
- amineAmmonia-derived organic compound
azide · hydride · ammonia · water · iodide · bromide · phosphine · sulfide
enzyme
Protein that hastens reactions
- serineProtein-forming amino acid
- cysteineThiol-containing amino acid
- histidineAmino acid, essential early
cofactor · coenzyme · substrate · hydrolysis · proteolysis · kinase · transferase · nuclease
alkylation
Adding hydrocarbon groups chemically
- ring-openingCleaving a cyclic structure
- esterificationForming esters chemically
- phosphorylationPhosphate group attachment process