Nucleophiles are chemical species that donate a pair of electrons to an electrophile. ... A nucleophilic attack often occurs when an electron-rich species (the nucleophile) "attacks" an electron-deficient species (the electrophile, usually a carbocation), forming a new bond between the nucleophile and the carbocation.

Does nucleophile or electrophile attack?

Let's go even further here: the vast majority of the reactions you'll see (>95%) – will be reactions where a nucleophile donates a pair of electrons to an electrophile. Nucleophile attacks electrophile. There are very few exceptions!

Does nucleophile react with electrophile?

A nucleophile is a molecule that forms a bond with its reaction partner (the electrophile) by donating both electrons for that bond.