Each of these compounds can react as a nucleophile. In each case, use curved arrows to show how the nucleophile would react with the strong electrophile, BF₃.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(CH₃)₃H

(e)

CH₃CH₂OH

(f)

(CH₃ )₂S

According to Lewis, an acid can be defined as any molecule, ion or radical which can accept one or more electron pairs, that is, an acid is an electron pair acceptor. A Lewis base can be defined as any molecule, ion or radical which can donate one or more electron pairs, that is, a base is an electron pair donor.

Lewis acid accepts a pair of electrons, hence it can be called as electrophiles which means electrons loving. Also, Lewis base donates a pair of electrons, hence it can be called as nucleophiles which means nuclei loving.

Curved arrows are used to show the movement of electrons from the nucleophile (Lewis base) to the electrophile (Lewis acid).

(a)

(nucleophile) (electrophile)

(b)

(nucleophile) (electrophile)

(c)

(nucleophile) (electrophile)

(d)

(nucleophile) (electrophile)

(e)

(nucleophile) (electrophile)

(f)

(nucleophile) (electrophile)