Question

Explain in brief with one example of coordinate bond

Answer 1

1. A coordinate bond is a type of covalent bond where both of the electrons that form the bond originate from the same atom.
2. An atom with a lone pair of electrons (non-bonding pair of electrons) is capable of forming a coordinate bond.
3. For example, the reaction of ammonia with boron trifluoride: Before the reaction, nitrogen (N) in ammonia has eight valence electrons, including a lone pair of electrons. Boron (B) in boron trifluoride has only six valence electrons, so it is two electrons short of an octet. The two unpaired electrons form a bond between nitrogen and boron, resulting in complete octets for both atoms. A coordinate bond is represented by an arrow. The direction of the arrow indicates that the electrons are moving from nitrogen to boron. Thus, ammonia forms a coordinate bond with boron trifluoride.
   
4. Once formed, a coordinate covalent bond is the same as any other covalent bond.