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Nucelophiles Vs Ligands

Hi, does anyone know the difference between a nucleophile and a ligand?

Thanks.
Original post by Charlotte! :)
Hi, does anyone know the difference between a nucleophile and a ligand?

Thanks.

Electrophile - species that is an electron pair acceptor. Used in radical substitution, electrophilic addition, electrophilic substitution
Nucleophile - species that is an electron pair donor. Used in nucleophilic substitution, nucleophilic addition
Ligand - species that donates lone pair electrons (electron pair donor) to central metal ion, forming dative bond.

I can see the confusion - as both involve a lone pair of electrons - but it is what is happening to the lone pair of electrons, so the context to the atom/molecule
(edited 6 months ago)
Thank you :smile:

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