In organic reaction mechanisms, what does a curly arrow represent?

A.     The movement of a pair of electrons towards a nucleophile

B.     The movement of a pair of electrons towards a positively charged species

C.     The movement of a pair of electrons away from a positively charged species

D.     The movement of a pair of electrons towards a Lewis base

B

This question generated considerable discussion both in the G2s and on-line. The examiners accept that the question could have been worded better. Candidates are, however, instructed to choose the best answer and this 40% of them did. Interestingly, 36% thought the answer to be A which is clearly wrong.