BRAINCAKEElectrophiles
An electrophile is an electron pair acceptor. The name means 'electron-loving': electrophiles are attracted to regions of high electron density. They are either positive ions or molecules with a δ+ atom.
The C=C bond is a region of high electron density. Its four electrons are concentrated between the two carbons, and the two π electrons sit exposed above and below the plane of the molecule. This makes alkenes open to attack by electrophiles, and explains why they react far more readily than alkanes, which have no π bond.
Common electrophiles in alkene chemistry:
• H+ ions from acids.
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More in Alkenes
- Geometric Isomerism
- Nomenclature (Cahn-Ingold-Prelog)
- Physical Properties of Alkenes
- Combustion
- Electrophilic Addition
- Reaction with Halogens
- Reaction with Hydrogen Halides
- Asymmetrical Alkenes
All 23 lessons in Alkenes · All AQA AS-level Chemistry topics