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Hello,

In the addition of water to an alkene (e.g. ethylene) what is the electrophile?

Well I thought its the hydrogen cation from the water. Since electrophiles are electron poor molecules, having a tendency for more electrons.

But then it asks what nucleophile is present in the greatest concentration.

Well the only nucleophile i can think of is OH- if I am correct...or is the alkene itself a nucleophile. I am really getting confused, any help is appreciated.

2 answers

I think this will answer your question. Note that "Do not use OH^- as the nucleophile."
http://chemistry2.csudh.edu/rpendarvis/AlkeneAddn.html
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