Chapter 5: Problem 21

Why are the participating atoms of a coordinate bond called the donor and the acceptor?

Short Answer

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Answer: The participating atoms in a coordinate bond are called the donor and the acceptor because the bond formation involves the transfer or sharing of electrons from one atom to another. The donor atom provides both electrons for the bond formation, while the acceptor atom receives the pair of electrons, resulting in the establishment of a stable bond between the two atoms.

Step by step solution

Define a coordinate bond

A coordinate bond is a type of covalent bond in which both electrons that form the bond come from the same atom. In other words, one atom donates a pair of electrons to form the bond, while the other atom accepts these electrons.

Identify the donor atom

In a coordinate bond, the donor atom is the one that provides both electrons for the bond formation. This atom has a lone pair of electrons that can be shared, which usually results from having an extra electron or an unshared electron pair.

Identify the acceptor atom

The acceptor atom is the one that accepts the pair of electrons shared by the donor atom in coordinate bonding. This atom usually has an empty orbital or lacks a complete octet (eight electrons in its outer shell), so it requires additional electrons to achieve stability.

Explain the terms "donor" and "acceptor"

The terms "donor" and "acceptor" are used to describe the participating atoms in a coordinate bond because the bond formation essentially involves the transfer or sharing of electrons from one atom to another. The donor atom provides the electrons (hence, 'donates'), while the acceptor atom receives or accepts the electrons, resulting in the establishment of a stable bond between the two atoms.

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Why are the participating atoms of a coordinate bond called the donor and the acceptor?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Define a coordinate bond

Identify the donor atom

Identify the acceptor atom

Explain the terms "donor" and "acceptor"

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