Although the electrons are shown differently in the diagram, there is no difference between them in reality. Once the ammonium ion has been formed it is impossible to tell any difference between the dative covalent and the ordinary covalent bonds. The hydrogen's electron is left behind on the chlorine to form a negative chloride ion. When the ammonium ion, NH 4 +, is formed, the fourth hydrogen is attached by a dative covalent bond, because only the hydrogen's nucleus is transferred from the chlorine to the nitrogen. If these colourless gases are allowed to mix, a thick white smoke of solid ammonium chloride is formed.Īmmonium ions, NH 4 +, are formed by the transfer of a hydrogen ion from the hydrogen chloride to the lone pair of electrons on the ammonia molecule. The reaction between ammonia and hydrogen chloride A co-ordinate bond (also called a dative covalent bond) is a covalent bond (a shared pair of electrons) in which both electrons come from the same atom.įor the rest of this page, we shall use the term co-ordinate bond - but if you prefer to call it a dative covalent bond, that's not a problem! In the formation of a simple covalent bond, each atom supplies one electron to the bond - but that doesn't have to be the case. The atoms are held together because the electron pair is attracted by both of the nuclei. Important! If you are uncertain about covalent bonding follow this link before you go on with this page.Ī covalent bond is formed by two atoms sharing a pair of electrons. You need to have a reasonable understanding of simple covalent bonding before you start.
This page explains what co-ordinate (also called dative covalent) bonding is.
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