Question

For each of the sites specified in the molecules, select whether the site is nucleophilic, electrophilic, or neither?

1) Nucleophilic
2) Electrophilic
3) Neither

Answer 1

Nucleophiles donate a pair of electrons, while electrophiles accept a pair of electrons. Nucleophiles are often negatively charged or have a lone pair of electrons, while electrophiles are often positively charged or have electron-deficient atoms. By analyzing the properties of the sites specified in the molecules, we can determine whether they are nucleophilic, electrophilic, or neither.

Step-by-step explanation:

Nucleophiles and electrophiles are important concepts in organic chemistry. A nucleophile is a species that donates a pair of electrons to form a new bond, while an electrophile is a species that accepts a pair of electrons to form a new bond. Nucleophiles are often negatively charged or have a lone pair of electrons, while electrophiles are often positively charged or have electron-deficient atoms.

For the sites specified in the molecules, you can determine whether they are nucleophilic, electrophilic, or neither based on their properties. Nucleophilic sites are those that have a lone pair of electrons or a negative charge that can donate electrons. Electrophilic sites are those that have a positive charge or an electron-deficient atom that can accept electrons. Neither sites are those that do not have the necessary properties to be nucleophilic or electrophilic.

Let's look at some examples:

• In the molecule HA, the H atom is electrophilic because it can accept electrons.
• In the molecule NH3, the N atom is nucleophilic because it has a lone pair of electrons that can donate electrons.
• In the molecule CH4, the C atom is neither nucleophilic nor electrophilic because it does not have a lone pair of electrons or a charge.