Science, Tech, Math › Science Electrophile Definition Share Flipboard Email 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. Facebook Twitter 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 May 18, 2022). copy citation