electrophile A chemical species that receives electrons, or shares electrons, from another molecule. Electrophiles are in general acids, especially cations, attracted to partially negatively-charged atoms in a molecule; examples are halogens, H+, and NO2+. Compare with nucleophile. Related categories • INORGANIC CHEMISTRY • ORGANIC CHEMISTRY Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |