nucleophiles
Negative charge seekers
Nucleophiles are molecules or ions that donate electrons to form chemical bonds.
The term comes from "nucleus-loving"—these species are attracted to positive charges and electron-deficient sites.
Common nucleophiles include hydroxide ions, water, and ammonia.
In organic chemistry, nucleophilic attack is a fundamental reaction mechanism: The nucleophile attacks the carbonyl carbon.
Alkaline oxygen-hydrogen compound
Joining quantities mathematically
- substitutionExchange of one for another
- attackAggressive act against another
- alkylationAdding hydrocarbon groups chemically
- couplingJoint between systems
elimination · displacement · mechanism · conjugate · backside · intermediate · product · stereochemistry
One who contributes freely
- anionNegatively charged ion
- polarizableAble to form dipoles
- softYielding to touch
- hardFirm or demanding
basicity · orbital · reactivity · affinity · attacking
hydroxide
Alkaline oxygen-hydrogen compound
addition
Joining quantities mathematically
- substitutionExchange of one for another
- attackAggressive act against another
- alkylationAdding hydrocarbon groups chemically
coupling · elimination · displacement · mechanism · conjugate · backside · intermediate · product · stereochemistry · kinetics
donor
One who contributes freely
- anionNegatively charged ion
- polarizableAble to form dipoles
- softYielding to touch
hard · basicity · orbital · reactivity · affinity · attacking
hydrophile
Substance attracted to moisture
- lipophilicAttracted to fatty substances