electrophile

An electrophile is a chemical species that seeks electrons, meaning it can accept electrons from other molecules during a chemical reaction. Think of it as an electron-deficient partner looking to form a bond by attracting electrons to itself. Electrophiles are crucial in many chemical reactions, especially in organic chemistry, where they help form new bonds by interacting with electron-rich areas of other molecules. Examples include positively charged ions like hydrogen ions (H⁺) or molecules with an incomplete outer shell, which makes them eager to gain electrons and complete their stability.