Covalent Bond vs. Coordinate Bond — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on January 3, 2024
Covalent bonds form when atoms share electrons equally, while coordinate bonds involve one atom donating a pair of electrons to another atom.
Difference Between Covalent Bond and Coordinate Bond
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Covalent bonds are a type of chemical bond where atoms come together by sharing electrons. This sharing helps both atoms achieve stability by filling their outermost electron shells. In a covalent bond, the shared electrons belong equally to both atoms involved in the bond, and the bond forms due to the mutual attraction between these shared electrons and the atomic nuclei.
In contrast, a coordinate bond, also known as a dative bond, is a special type of covalent bond. It forms when one atom donates a pair of electrons to another atom that doesn't contribute any electron to the bond. The atom that donates the electron pair is known as the donor atom, while the one that accepts the electron pair is called the acceptor atom.
Covalent bonds are prevalent in many molecules, especially in organic compounds. They result in the formation of molecules that can be simple, like H₂, or complex, like DNA. The electron sharing in covalent bonds ensures that both atoms attain a more stable electron configuration.
Coordinate bonds, on the other hand, are commonly found in complex ions and certain molecules where one atom has a lone pair of electrons that it donates to an atom in need. Examples include the ammonium ion (NH₄⁺) or metal complexes. While the initial formation of the bond is asymmetric, once the bond forms, it behaves like any other covalent bond.
Though covalent and coordinate bonds involve the sharing of electrons, their formation mechanisms differ. Covalent bonds form through mutual sharing, whereas coordinate bonds result from a one-sided donation of an electron pair.
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Comparison Chart
Formation Mechanism
Mutual sharing of electrons
One atom donates an electron pair to another
Electron Source
Both atoms contribute electrons
Only one atom (donor) contributes electrons
Common Occurrence
Organic compounds, simple molecules
Complex ions, metal complexes
Electron Configuration
Aims to stabilize both atoms involved
Donor aims to stabilize acceptor
Bond Behavior
Behaves uniformly once formed
Initially asymmetric but behaves like covalent after forming
Compare with Definitions
Covalent Bond
Covalent bonds help atoms attain a full outer electron shell.
In methane (CH₄), carbon forms four covalent bonds with hydrogen.
Coordinate Bond
Coordinate bonds are also known as dative bonds.
The bond between boron trifluoride (BF₃) and ammonia (NH₃) in the BF₃.NH₃ complex is a coordinate bond.
Covalent Bond
Covalent bonds can be polar or non-polar based on electron distribution.
The bond in HCl is a polar covalent bond due to the difference in electronegativity.
Coordinate Bond
Coordinate bonds are common in transition metal complexes and some ions.
In the complex [Fe(CN)₆]³⁻, cyanide ions form coordinate bonds with the iron atom.
Covalent Bond
Covalent bonds result from the electrostatic attraction between shared electrons and atomic nuclei.
In water (H₂O), oxygen forms covalent bonds with two hydrogen atoms.
Coordinate Bond
In coordinate bonds, the donor atom has a lone pair of electrons.
In hydronium ion (H₃O⁺), oxygen donates a pair forming a coordinate bond with a proton.
Covalent Bond
A covalent bond involves the mutual sharing of electrons between two atoms.
The bond in a hydrogen molecule (H₂) is a covalent bond.
Coordinate Bond
Once formed, coordinate bonds behave like regular covalent bonds.
In metal complexes, ligands form coordinate bonds with central metal ions.
Covalent Bond
Covalent bonds are common in organic molecules.
Ethane (C₂H₆) consists of covalent bonds between carbon and hydrogen atoms.
Coordinate Bond
A coordinate bond forms when one atom donates an electron pair to another atom.
In the ammonium ion (NH₄⁺), a coordinate bond forms between nitrogen and a proton.
Common Curiosities
Can coordinate bonds be found in metal complexes?
Yes, coordinate bonds are often seen in metal complexes with ligands.
Is mutual electron sharing characteristic of coordinate bonds?
No, in coordinate bonds, only one atom donates an electron pair.
How does a coordinate bond differ from a covalent bond?
In a coordinate bond, one atom donates an electron pair to another atom without mutual sharing.
Are covalent bonds common in organic compounds?
Yes, covalent bonds are prevalent in organic compounds.
Can covalent bonds be polar?
Yes, if electron distribution is uneven due to differences in electronegativity, the covalent bond is polar.
Do coordinate bonds change characteristics once formed?
Once formed, coordinate bonds behave like regular covalent bonds.
Which bond is also known as a dative bond?
A coordinate bond is also referred to as a dative bond.
Are all covalent bonds between atoms of different elements?
No, covalent bonds can also form between atoms of the same element, like in O₂.
What is a covalent bond?
A covalent bond involves the mutual sharing of electrons between two atoms.
Which bond involves a lone pair donor?
A coordinate bond involves a lone pair donor atom.
Do both atoms share electrons equally in covalent bonds?
In non-polar covalent bonds, yes; but in polar covalent bonds, electron sharing is uneven.
Are coordinate bonds limited to certain types of molecules?
Coordinate bonds commonly occur in complex ions and metal complexes, but they can also appear in other molecules.
Which bond results in molecules like DNA?
Covalent bonds are responsible for forming complex molecules like DNA.
Can a molecule have both covalent and coordinate bonds?
Yes, some molecules can have both types of bonds, like certain metal complexes.
Can multiple covalent bonds form between two atoms?
Yes, atoms can form single, double, or even triple covalent bonds.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
