Electrophile

In chemistry, an electrophile is a molecule or an atom that is happy to take electrons from another one. Many electrophiles have a positive charge. They are also called Lewis acids. Some examples of electrophiles are molecules where the atoms have a big difference in electronegativity, like HCl or a carbonyl, or also oxidizing agents.

In this addition reaction, bromine (Br₂) is the electrophile

Electrophiles get attacked by a nucleophile, which is the opposite kind of molecule. This happens for example in addition reactions.

Organic Chemistry

Addition of halogens

C₂H₄ + Br₂ → BrCH₂CH₂Br