Science, Tech, Math › Science Electrophile Definition Print Science Chemistry Chemical Laws Basics Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on July 03, 2019 Definition: An electrophile is an atom or molecule that accepts an electron pair to make a covalent bond. Also Known As: Lewis acid Examples: H+ is an electrophile. It can accept a pair of electrons from the Lewis base OH- to form H2O. Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Electrophile Definition." ThoughtCo, Jan. 29, 2020, thoughtco.com/definition-of-electrophile-605076. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, January 29). Electrophile Definition. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-electrophile-605076 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Electrophile Definition." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-electrophile-605076 (accessed March 29, 2024). copy citation