Nucleophilic attack is a fundamental concept in chemistry where a nucleophile, a species with a high electron density, approaches and reacts with an electrophile, which is electron-deficient. This interaction typically involves the nucleophile donating a pair of electrons to form a new bond, leading to the transformation of the reactants into products. In organic chemistry, nucleophilic attacks are crucial in various reactions, such as substitution reactions and addition reactions. Common nucleophiles include hydroxide ions and ammonia, while typical electrophiles can be carbonyl compounds or alkyl halides. Understanding this process is essential for predicting reaction outcomes and mechanisms.