What is the difference between covalent and dative covalent bonds?

These two types of bonding are very similar and so can easily be confused however this question specifically wants the difference between them. Covalent bonding occurs when a pair of nuclei share a pair of electrons with one electron being donated by each atom. In dative covalent bonding the same principle of sharing electrons between two nuclei applies except in this case both of the electrons involved in bonding are donated by one of the atoms. i.e. one atom doesn't donate any bonding electrons but the other donates both electrons required for bonding.

CH
Answered by Caroline H. Chemistry tutor

44520 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe how you could form ethyl ethanoate using only ethanol as the starting material. Include all relevant reagents and conditions.


A chemist has 3 beakers, each containing a pure sample of acetone (2-propanone), isopropanol (2-propanol) and propanal. Using chemical techniques, suggest how the chemist may be able to determine which beaker contains which sample. [4]


What is hybridisation and how can it be used to explain the shapes of molecules?


What is an acid and what is the difference between and strong and weak acid


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences