what are weak nucleophiles
Best Answer: There are a few easy rules. Anything with a pair of electrons is considered a nucleophile, but the question now is how to determine which one is strong vs. weak. A weak nucleophile usually does not contain a negative charge (in most cases), for example water, H2O. H2O follows an Sn1 pathway. A strong nucleophile, like Iodine, contains a negative charge (when in ionic form) and will follow and Sn2 pathway.