having or involving an affinity for negative charge. Electrophilic reagents (electrophiles) are atoms, molecules, and ions that behave as electron acceptors
Compare nucleophilic
Derived forms
electrophile (ɪˈlɛktrəʊˌfaɪl)
noun
electrophilic in American English
(iˌlɛktroʊˈfɪlɪk)
adjective
designating or of a chemical, ion, etc. that accepts additional electrons