An electrophile is a chemical species that is attracted to electrons and can accept an electron pair from a nucleophile during a chemical reaction. Electrophiles are often positively charged or neutral molecules with an electron-deficient atom, making them reactive. Common examples of electrophiles include carbocations, halogens, and carbonyl compounds. In organic chemistry, electrophiles play a crucial role in various reactions, such as nucleophilic substitution and addition reactions. When an electrophile interacts with a nucleophile, it can lead to the formation of new bonds, resulting in different chemical compounds. Understanding electrophiles is essential for predicting reaction mechanisms and outcomes.