Summary of Generic Electron Sources

Oxidizable metals, organometallics, and metal hydrides are usually very reactive. 

Next look for lone pair donors and the electron-rich pi bonds. 

A much smaller set of sources is responsible for most reactions and is summarized in Table 5.2, which gathers examples, reactivity trends, common reactions, necessary decisions, and the related generic groups. Some have a decision discussed in Chapter 9. 

Symbol Name Common Examples in Order of Decreasing Reactivity Reactivity Trend Principle Common Reactions Decision Related Generic Groups 

Z Heteroatom lone pairs as nucleophiles RS- r CN- RO- Softer anions are more nucleophilic. If same atom, more basic, more Nu Substitutions Additions. Nucleophile vs. base decision See allylic sources 

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