An electrophile is a species that can accommodate additional electrons. Let us look at the structure of the ammonium ion (NH4+). Nitrogen has an atomic number of 7 and an electronic configuration of 1s2, 2s2, 2p3. In an ammonium ion, nitrogen is bonded to hydrogen atoms and shares electrons with them. This causes all the orbitals to be fully filled and hence, nitrogen does not have space for any additional electrons. Thus, the ammonium ion is not an electrophile.
Having said that, ammonium still participates in reactions. What really happens is that the ammonium ion gets rid of the proton (H+) to achieve more stability. It is this hydrogen ion that seeks electrons and gains them during bonding with other species. Hence the hydrogen ion is the electrophile, not the ammonium ion.
Take a look at this reaction:
`NH_4^+ + OH^(-) -> NH_3 + H_2O`
Hope this helps.
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