Count the number of electrophiles in the following list of chemical species: , , , , , , . — Reaction Mechanism Chemistry Question
Question
Count the number of electrophiles in the following list of chemical species: $AlCl_3$, $SO_3$, $NO_2^+$, $CH_3^+$, $PCl_5$, $NH_3$, $H_2O$.
Answer: 5
💡 Solution & Explanation
Electrophiles are electron-deficient species or have vacant orbitals. $AlCl_3$ and $SO_3$ have electron-deficient central atoms / vacant orbitals. $NO_2^+$ and $CH_3^+$ are positively charged. $PCl_5$ can act as a Lewis acid (electrophile) by expanding its octet. $NH_3$ and $H_2O$ are electron-rich nucleophiles. Total is 5.
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