noun. the tendency, or a measure of the ability, of an atom or molecule to attract electrons and thus form bonds

noun. (chemistry) the tendency of an atom or radical to attract electrons in the formation of an ionic bond

"The disparity in electronegativity values between the oxygen and the phosphorus (3.5 for O compared to 2.1 for P), along with the formal charges on 3 of the 4 oxygens, compounded with the oxygen atoms having electron lone pairs makes this molecule pretty reactive."

Mulliken scale  Pauling scale  

electronegative  electropositivity  

inclination  tendency  

13-4  autocorrelation  backscatter  bisulphide  carbonation