Why is CH_3ClCH3Cl an electrophile?

1 Answer
Feb 26, 2016

The carbon center is electrophilic.

Explanation:

Chlorine is significantly more electronegative than carbon, so the C-Cl bond is polarized, leaving the carbon electron deficient.

However, when considering the reactions of alkyl halides as electrophiles in general, do also take note of the covalent bond "(C-X)"(C-X) strength and the stability of the halide anions "(X"^{-})(X) when it becomes a leaving group.