Which of the following is an electrophile?

Options

A. `C Cl_(2)`
B. `CH_(3)^(Theta)`
C. `H_(2)O`
D. `NH_(3)`

Explanation

To determine which of the given options is an electrophile, we need to understand the definition of an electrophile and analyze each option accordingly.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Electrophiles**:
- An electrophile is a species that can accept an electron pair. They are typically positively charged or neutral species with an incomplete octet of electrons.

2. **Analyzing the Options**:
- Let's denote the options as A, B, C, and D for clarity.

3. **Option B (CH3⁻)**:
- This species has a negative charge (CH3⁻). The presence of a negative charge indicates that it has excess electrons and can donate them. Therefore, CH3⁻ behaves as a nucleophile, not an electrophile.

4. **Option C (H2)**:
- H2 is a neutral molecule with no charge and does not have an incomplete octet. It cannot accept electrons, so it does not qualify as an electrophile. It behaves as a neutral molecule.

5. **Option D (NH3)**:
- Ammonia (NH3) has a lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom. This lone pair can be donated, making NH3 a nucleophile, not an electrophile.

6. **Identifying the Electrophile**:
- Now, let's consider the last option, which is dichlorocarbene (CCl2).
- The structure of dichlorocarbene shows that the carbon atom is bonded to two chlorine atoms and has only six electrons in its valence shell (due to the two bonds with Cl). This means that the carbon atom has an incomplete octet and can accept a pair of electrons to complete its octet. Thus, dichlorocarbene (CCl2) behaves as an electrophile.

### Conclusion:
- The electrophile among the given options is **dichlorocarbene (CCl2)**.