coordinate bond: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “coordinate bond” mean?
A type of covalent chemical bond where both electrons forming the bond are contributed by a single atom (the donor), resulting in a directional bond to an acceptor atom.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of covalent chemical bond where both electrons forming the bond are contributed by a single atom (the donor), resulting in a directional bond to an acceptor atom.
A dative bond; a specialized covalent interaction central to coordination chemistry, crucial for understanding the structure and function of complex ions, metal-organic frameworks, and many biological molecules like haemoglobin. It denotes a specific two-electron sharing mechanism rather than a general sense of 'coordination'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling follows national conventions for 'coordinate' (UK often retains hyphen: co-ordinate, but the compound term 'coordinate bond' is standard).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and confined to chemistry contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “coordinate bond” in a Sentence
The [donor atom] forms a coordinate bond with the [acceptor atom].A coordinate bond is donated from [X] to [Y].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coordinate bond” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The ammonia molecule can co-ordinate to the metal ion via its lone pair.
- Ligands co-ordinate to the central atom.
American English
- The ammonia molecule can coordinate to the metal ion via its lone pair.
- Ligands coordinate to the central atom.
adverb
British English
- The ligand is bonded co-ordinately to the copper centre.
- The electrons are shared co-ordinately.
American English
- The ligand is bonded coordinately to the copper center.
- The electrons are shared coordinately.
adjective
British English
- The co-ordinate bonding in the complex is very stable.
- We studied the co-ordinate bond formation.
American English
- The coordinate bonding in the complex is very stable.
- We studied the coordinate bond formation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Exclusively used in chemistry, biochemistry, and materials science textbooks and research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary domain. Describes bonding in coordination complexes, Lewis acid-base adducts, and enzyme active sites.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coordinate bond”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coordinate bond”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coordinate bond”
- Using 'coordinate bond' to mean any bond in a coordination compound (some may be ordinary covalent bonds).
- Confusing it with a hydrogen bond or ionic interaction.
- Pronouncing 'coordinate' with primary stress on the first syllable (CO-ordinate) when it should be on the second (co-OR-dinate) in this context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not inherently. Once formed, a coordinate bond is generally identical in strength and properties to a standard covalent bond. The distinction is only in its mechanism of formation.
In terms of physical reality, once formed, there is no detectable difference. The distinction is a formalism of electron-bookkeeping. In resonance structures, a bond may be represented as coordinate in one form and covalent in another.
A ligand is the molecule or ion that donates the electron pair. The coordinate bond is the actual chemical bond that forms as a result of that donation between the ligand and a central atom.
Yes, in structural formulas, it is often shown as an arrow (→) pointing from the electron-pair donor atom to the acceptor atom, instead of a simple line.
A type of covalent chemical bond where both electrons forming the bond are contributed by a single atom (the donor), resulting in a directional bond to an acceptor atom.
Coordinate bond is usually technical / scientific in register.
Coordinate bond: in British English it is pronounced /kəʊˈɔːdɪneɪt bɒnd/, and in American English it is pronounced /koʊˈɔːrdɪneɪt bɑːnd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COOrdinate bond as a COOperative bond where one atom provides the COmplete pair of electrons. The arrow (→) points like a one-way street from the generous donor to the acceptor.
Conceptual Metaphor
A GIFT or DONATION (of electrons) from a donor to an acceptor, creating a binding obligation.
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining feature of a coordinate (dative) bond?