Coordinate or Dative Bond

All living things are made of atoms. They frequently interact with other atoms and molecules. Atoms, for example, might be linked together by strong connections and arranged into molecules or crystals. Alternatively, they may make weak, temporary connections with other atoms that collide with each other. The chemistry of our bodies and life itself requires strong bonds that hold molecules together and weaker ones that establish temporary connections. There are many types of bonds, and one of them is a Coordinate bond or dative bond.

What is a Coordinate Bond?

Coordinate bonds are bonds with two or more covalent bonds. Their name derives from having either one covalent bond or several covalent bonds that share a common coordinate. In organic chemistry, the most common coordinate bond is a single bond between a carbon atom and a nonmetal, such as a hydrogen atom.

The bonds in an atom are called coordinate bonds (or covalent bonds) because they are formed by a single pair of electrons. This type of bond is a directional bond, where the electrons that form the bond are located on two different atomic nuclei.

An example of a coordinate bond is the relationship between a hydrogen ion and an electron pair between hydrogen and ammonia molecule. The ammonium ion is formed by transferring a proton ion to the pair of electrons in the ammonium molecule.

Bonded coordinates or dative bonds are defined as σ-bonding interaction between the electronegative atom (σ is the Pauli exclusion principle) and the π-electron system of an aromatic ring. Dative bonds are present in compound molecules like acetylene and sulphur dioxide.

Properties of Coordinate or Dative Bond

• The melting and boiling points of coordinate bond compounds are lower than those of ionic compounds.
• Isomerism can be seen in several of these substances.
• The sharing of electrons occurs in a specific direction, resulting in a directional connection.
• It is not as strong as ionic bonding.

Coordinate or Dative Bond Examples

Hydronium ion: Hydronium ion is a chemical compound with the molecular formula H3O+. It is a colourless gas at room temperature but is often encountered as the salt (an acid [H+] cation) hydroxide, OH-, also known as hydroxide anion, -OH. Hydronium ion is the ionic form of hydrogen, the most common form of the element on Earth. When a chemical loses its water, it becomes a hydronium ion.

Ammonia Boron Trifluoride: Ammonia boron trifluoride is a colourless to white gas at room temperature and pressure. It is one of the most reactive non-fluorine compounds known and is corrosive to most materials. It is a potent greenhouse gas, an oxidizer, and an explosive. Ammonia boron trifluoride is used primarily as a cleaning and degreasing agent and in manufacturing other chemicals.

Conclusion

Coordinate bonds are present in chemical reactions such as those found in forming acids, bases, and salts. These bonds are formed when a metal atom has a formal charge in tetrahedral coordination surrounding it. The metal atom is at the centre of coordination. The metals are usually the same as their neighbours in other chemical bonds, but this is not always the case.