Differentiate between covalent and coordinate bond.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Covalent bonds and Coordinate bonds are types of chemical bonding involving electron sharing between atoms. The key difference is the source of electrons; in covalent bonding, electrons are mutually shared by both atoms to achieve stability whilst in coordinate bonding, both electrons are donated by a single atom (donor). They, however, behave similarly once the bond has been formed.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Covalent Bond

A Covalent bond is a type of chemical bond where two atoms are connected to each other by the sharing of two or more electrons. An atom's stability is determined by its electronic configuration, and atoms tend to react to obtain a full set of electrons, normally eight, in their outermost shell. This process could result in covalent bonding. Here, both atoms share the electrons mutually to complete their respective octets.
02

Understanding Coordinate Bond

A coordinate bond, also known as a dative bond, involves the sharing of a pair of electrons between two atoms; however, in this case, both electrons are donated by only one atom. The atom which donates both electrons is called the donor (a Lewis base), and the atom which accepts the pair of electrons is called the acceptor (a Lewis acid). Coordinate bonds are typically represented by an arrow pointing towards the acceptor atom.
03

Differentiating between Covalent and Coordinate Bond

In covalent bonds, the shared electrons originate from each of the atoms involved in the bonding, resulting in a mutual sharing. In contrast, in the formation of a coordinate bond, the shared electrons are donated solely by one atom (the donor atom). Another difference is that, once a coordinate bond has been formed, it cannot be distinguished from other covalent bonds; it behaves as a normal covalent bond does. Both types of bonds can occur together in several molecules.

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