So during my lecture on reaction of Alkenes with Halogens, my lecturer used the example of $\ce{Br2}$ gas reacting with $\ce{CH2CH2}$. He mentioned that the $\ce{C=C}$ launches an electrophilic attack on the electropositive Bromine atom (the one that is nearer to $\ce{CH2CH2}$) and I'm wondering why is the $\ce{C=C}$ launching the electrophilic attack? Shouldn't it be done by the Bromine gas since the $\delta^+ \ce{Br}$ is electrophilic and needs the electrons so it attacks the double bond which is most electron dense?
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$\begingroup$ Welcome to chemistry.SE! If you had any questions about the policies of our community, please visit help center. || Please visit this page, this page and this one on how to make your future posts better. Alternatively, visit this chatroom for further formatting guidance. $\endgroup$– M.A.R.Commented Aug 21, 2015 at 13:33
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3$\begingroup$ That's seems wrong. The bromine molecule is the electrophile and the double bond is the nucleophile and I would normally describe it as an electrophilic attack by the bromine on the double bond. $\endgroup$– bonCommented Aug 21, 2015 at 18:06
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$\begingroup$ If it just happened once, I am guessing it was a slip of the tongue by your lecturer, it happens... I have said much stupider stuff than that in my lessons :/ In any case, as bon said, $\ce{Br_2}$ is the electrophile and $\ce{C2H4}$ the nucleophile. $\endgroup$– orthocresolCommented Aug 22, 2015 at 12:32
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