nucleophile

A nucleophile is a chemical species that is attracted to positively charged or electron-deficient areas in other molecules. It donates electrons to form a bond, often during chemical reactions. Think of it as an electron-rich entity seeking out electron-poor sites to connect with. Common nucleophiles include negatively charged ions like hydroxide (OH−) or molecules with lone pairs of electrons, such as ammonia (NH₃). Their role is essential in processes like substitution and addition reactions, where they help break existing bonds and form new ones, driving chemical transformations forward.