Question

Why is `CO_2` an electrophile?

Answer 1

The carbon centre is bound to 2 strongly electronegative atoms, which tend to make the carbon centre highly electrophilic.

Explanation:

Carbon dioxide, as dry ice, is actually used a lot in organic synthesis. Addition of Grignard reagent, `R-MgX`, to dry ice results in a carboxylate salt that is 1 carbon longer than the hydrocarbyl chain `R`:

`R-MgX + CO_2(s) rarr RC(=O)O^(-)""^(+)MgX`

Normally you would pour your Grignard solution directly onto dry ice pellets, and take a step back.