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

45188 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What's the difference between Sn1 and Sn2 reactions?


Calculate the empirical and molecular formula of unknown compound A which gave an m/z of 181 in the mass spectrum for the molecular ion peak. Elemental analysis by combustion shows the compound is C 53%, O 35.4%, H 3.9% and N 7.7%.


Write an equation for the complete combustion of C9H20


Write a balanced equation for the oxidation of Iron from the 2+ oxidation state to the 3+ oxidation state using the manganate ion.


We're here to help

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

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning