dative bond
C2Technical/Academic
Definition
Meaning
A chemical bond in which one atom provides both electrons that are shared in a covalent bond, creating a coordinate covalent bond.
A concept in chemistry describing the donation of an electron pair from one atom (the donor) to another (the acceptor), where both electrons originate from the same atom. It is not limited to molecules but also discussed in the context of coordination complexes in inorganic chemistry.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is synonymous with "coordinate covalent bond." It specifically emphasizes the direction of electron donation: from the donor (Lewis base) to the acceptor (Lewis acid). Unlike a standard covalent bond where each atom contributes one electron, in a dative bond, both electrons come from a single species. The bond is often denoted with an arrow (→) pointing from the donor to the acceptor.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both varieties use "dative bond" and its synonym "coordinate (covalent) bond."
Connotations
Identical technical connotations. Slightly more frequent usage of "coordinate bond" in American academic texts, though both terms are standard.
Frequency
Low frequency in both dialects, exclusive to scientific and educational contexts. No discernible regional preference in frequency.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [donor atom] forms a dative bond with the [acceptor atom].A dative bond is established from [donor] to [acceptor].[Compound X] contains a dative bond.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “There are no common idioms for this technical term.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Never used.
Academic
Exclusively used in chemistry textbooks, research papers, and lectures to describe bonding in molecules like ammonia borane (NH3BH3) or coordination complexes like [Cu(NH3)4]2+.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
The primary domain of use. Precise meaning is critical in chemical notation, molecular orbital theory, and reaction mechanisms.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The nitrogen atom can dative-bond to the boron centre.
- The ligand dative-bonds to the metal ion.
American English
- The oxygen atom dative-bonds with the Lewis acid.
- Molecules that can dative-bond are called ligands.
adverb
British English
- The ligand is bonded datively to the metal.
- The electrons are shared datively.
American English
- The molecule interacts datively with the surface.
- The pair is donated datively.
adjective
British English
- The dative-bonded complex is stable.
- We studied the dative-bond interaction.
American English
- The dative-bond interaction is key to catalysis.
- This is a dative-bond complex.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- In ammonia borane, a dative bond exists between the nitrogen and boron atoms.
- The arrow in the Lewis structure represents a dative bond from the donor to the acceptor.
- The stability of the complex relies on the strength of the dative bond formed between the phosphine ligand and the platinum centre.
- While initially a dative bond, the electron density often delocalises, making it identical to other covalent bonds in the molecule.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of "DATIVE" as "DAtor" (like donor) + "IVE" (giving). The DATive bond is where one atom GIVEs both electrons for sharing.
Conceptual Metaphor
A gift or donation (one entity provides the entire shared resource).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- The Russian term "донорно-акцепторная связь" is a direct equivalent. No specific trap, but ensure not to confuse with the grammatical "dative case" (дательный падеж), which is unrelated.
Common Mistakes
- Referring to any polar covalent bond as a dative bond. A dative bond is defined by the origin of electrons, not just polarity.
- Thinking the bond is permanently polarized or different in nature after formation; in many cases, it becomes indistinguishable from other covalent bonds.
- Using the term outside of chemistry.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a defining characteristic of a dative bond?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the terms are completely synonymous. 'Coordinate covalent bond' is often preferred in modern textbooks, while 'dative bond' is a traditional and equally correct term.
Usually not. After formation, the electrons are shared, and the bond is simply a covalent bond. The terms 'dative' or 'coordinate' describe the mechanism of its formation, not a permanent structural difference.
It is typically shown as an arrow (→) pointing from the atom donating the electron pair (the Lewis base) to the atom accepting it (the Lewis acid).
Yes, like any covalent bond, it can be broken by chemical reactions. In coordination chemistry, ligands (which are attached via dative bonds) can dissociate from the central metal ion.