Question

Characterize the following atoms as being either nucleophilic or electrophilic. Note: If one or more atoms are incorrectly placed, a single red X will appear on the top left.

(1) Mg in MgO
(2) Al in AlCl3
(3) S in H2S
(4) Hidrogen ion, H+

Answer 1

1 , 2 and 4→ Electrophilic

3 → Nucleophilic

Step-by-step explanation:

1) since the O has higher electronegativity than Mg the electronic density in the bond will be shifted towards O , leaving Mg with partial positive charge → then Mg will be electrophilic since it will be attracted to compounds where there is a high electronic density.

2) since Cl has higher electronegativity than Al , the electronic density will be shifted towards the 3 Cl atoms and leaving Al with partial positive charge → then Al will be electrophilic since it will be attracted to compounds where there is a high electronic density.

3) since S has higher electronegativity than H and also has lone electronic pairs, the electronic density will be shifted towards the S atom , leaving S with partial negative charge → then S will be nucleophilic

3) since H+ has a positive charge will be attracted to compounds where there is a high electronic density.→ then H+ will be electrophilic