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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Covalent Bond and Dative Bond?

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The main difference between covalent and dative (also known as coordination) bonds lies in the way electrons are shared between the bonded atoms:

  • Covalent Bond: In a covalent bond, a pair of electrons is shared between two atomic nuclei, with each atom contributing one electron to the bond. This equal sharing of electrons results in a more stable structure for the atoms involved.
  • Dative Bond: In a dative bond, also known as a coordination bond, two electrons are shared between two atomic nuclei, but both electrons are donated by the same atom. This type of bonding occurs when the atoms have lone pairs of electrons, which can be donated to another atom.

Examples of dative bonding can be found in the formation of complex ions, where a Lewis acid (a molecule or atom that can accept a pair of electrons) and a Lewis base (a molecule or atom that can donate a pair of electrons) interact. In this case, the lone pair of electrons from the Lewis base is shared with the Lewis acid, resulting in a dative bond.

In summary:

  • Covalent bonds involve equal sharing of electrons between two atoms.
  • Dative bonds involve unequal sharing of electrons, with both electrons being donated by the same atom.
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  • What is the Difference Between Covalent Bond and Dative Bond?
  • Comparative Table: Covalent Bond vs Dative Bond

    • Comparative Table: Covalent Bond vs Dative Bond

    Here is a table comparing covalent bonds and dative bonds:

    Feature Covalent Bond Dative Bond
    Definition A covalent bond is a chemical bond that forms when two atoms share an electron pair. A dative bond, also known as a coordinate covalent bond, forms when one atom donates its electron pair to another atom.
    Electron Sharing Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electron pairs between atoms. Both electrons in the shared pair come from one of the atoms. Dative bonds involve the sharing of an electron pair, but both electrons in the shared pair come from the same atom.
    Bond Formation Covalent bonds form due to the stable balance of attractive and repulsive forces between atoms. Dative bonds form when an electron deficient atom donates its electron pair to another atom.
    Examples Covalent bonds occur in molecular elements or compounds such as chlorine, sulfur, carbon dioxide, and water. Dative bonds occur in molecular ions like NH4+ and HCO3-, and in coordination complexes.

    Remember that a dative bond is a type of covalent bond, so there are similarities between the two. However, the key difference lies in the way the electron pairs are shared between the atoms.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.