Illustrated Glossary of Organic Chemistry

Electrophile (Elec): A reactant that accepts an electron pair to form a new covalent bond (i.e. a Lewis acid). An electrophile that accepts an electron pair at hydrogen is usually called a Bronsted-Lowry acid (Bronsted acid), or just an acid.

Methyl bromide as an electrophile in an S_N2 reaction.


The tert-butyl carbocation as an electrophile in an S_N1 reaction.