A coordinate or dative covalent bond differs from an ordinary covalent bond in that

  • A. both shared electrons come from the same atom
  • B. no electrons are shared
  • C. it is much weaker than a normal covalent bond
  • D. it involves the transfer of electrons

Explanation

One atom supplies the whole electron pair while the other provides an empty orbital, as when ammonia donates its lone pair to a hydrogen ion to form the ammonium ion. Once formed, the bond is indistinguishable from any other covalent bond, which is why all four N-H bonds in ammonium are identical. Complex ion formation depends entirely on this type of bonding.

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