What is a coordinate covalent bond? Is it different from a normal covalent bond?

Short Answer

Expert verified
In a nutshell, a coordinate covalent bond is a type of covalent bond wherein one atom donates both of the electrons that make up the bond. It differs from a regular covalent bond in which each atom contributes one electron to forming the bond.

Step by step solution

01

Define Covalent Bond

A covalent bond is a type of chemical bond that involves the sharing of pairs of electrons between atoms. These shared electrons are counted as part of the outer shell for both atoms, fulfilling the octet rule and leading to a stable configuration.
02

Define Coordinate Covalent Bond

A coordinate covalent bond, also known as a dative bond, is a kind of covalent bond where the two shared electrons originate from the same atom. This can occur when an atom with a lone pair of electrons donates that pair to an atom lacking in electrons.
03

Highlight the Differences

The main difference between a regular covalent bond and a coordinate covalent bond is in the origin of the shared electrons. In a normal covalent bond, each atom contributes one electron to the bond. In a coordinate covalent bond, both electrons come from the same atom. However, once the coordinate bond has been established, it's indistinguishable from a normal covalent bond.

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