coordinate bond

7.0

A chemical bond where one atom gives both electrons for the pair shared by two atoms

noun
/ˈkɔːrdɪneɪt bɔnd/

Specialized

: enlace coordinado

A coordinate bond occurs when one atom donates both electrons for a shared pair in a molecule.

Examples

Chemists often illustrate a coordinate bond with an arrow pointing from the donor atom to the acceptor.
The ammonium ion is formed through a coordinate bond between ammonia and a hydrogen ion.
A coordinate bond is formed when one atom donates both electrons.
The coordinate bonds in ammonia are crucial for its stability.
A coordinate bond occurs when one atom donates both electrons for a shared pair in a molecule.
The ammonium ion is formed through a coordinate bond between ammonia and a hydrogen ion.
Chemists often illustrate a coordinate bond with an arrow pointing from the donor atom to the acceptor.

Synonyms

dative bond

vscoordinate bond

Specialized

7.7

A bond where one atom gives both electrons that the two atoms share

has identical meaning but is the alternate technical term for it

Surface Forms

coordinate bond singular

coordinate bonds plural

Morphology

coordinate + bond

Although 'bond' conveys a connection between atoms, the adjective 'coordinate' in everyday B1 usage (equal rank/arranged together) does not indicate the technical chemistry sense of one atom donating both electrons. The specific mechanism (a dative/covalent interaction where both bonding electrons come from the same atom) is a specialized, non-compositional meaning that cannot be predicted from the common meanings of the constituents.

Etymology

Coordinate bond comes from the image of one atom 'giving both electrons' to make a shared pair between atoms. Imagine one person handing both keys so two people can open a door together, and that's why coordinate bond means a bond where the same atom gives both electrons for the pair.