I keep getting “Electrophiles and nucleophiles” questions wrong in Organic Chemistry — Basic Concepts. What's the trap?
swapping the two definitions.
The usual trap: swapping the two definitions. How to avoid it: nucleophile = nucleus-loving = electron donor; electrophile = electron-loving = acceptor. Go back to the definition — electrophiles are electron-poor (seek electrons); nucleophiles are electron-rich (donate electrons).
Key point
Electrophiles and nucleophiles
Common mistake
swapping the two definitions.
Memory tip
nucleophile = nucleus-loving = electron donor; electrophile = electron-loving = acceptor.
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