[astrapw]

Is triethylamine (C6H15N) a better nucleophile than CH3CH2OH?

I would assume yes because wouldn't the N be a better leaving group or am I completely wrong?

[Dan]

These are the nucleophiles, they are the incoming groups, not the leaving groups.

[astrapw]

so is it based on electronegativity?

[Dan]

Electreonegativity is a factor in nucleophilicity, but not the only factor.

What makes a good nucleophile?

[astrapw]

been looking on the internet and can't find what makes a good nucleophile.  From looking at the question I would have assumed that because N has a high electronegativity, it would make the better nucleophile.

[Dan]

But what is the electronegativity of O? And as I have already mentioned, electronegativity is not the only factor to consider.

I suggest you get hold of a copy of "mechanism in organic chemistry" by Peter Sykes. It's an excellent introduction to organic chemistry, and deals with substitution reactions very well.