Question

Which of the following compounds contains a coordinate (dative) covalent bond?

• A. HCl
• B. NH\textsubscript{3}
• C. H\textsubscript{2}O
• D. NH\textsubscript{4}\textsuperscript{+}

Hint:

Coordinate bonds occur when one atom donates both electrons for bonding. Watch for ions like NH\textsubscript{4}\textsuperscript{+} or H\textsubscript{3}O\textsuperscript{+}.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

A coordinate covalent bond is characterized by the donation of both shared electrons from a single atom. In the ammonium ion (NH\textsubscript{4}\textsuperscript{+}), a nitrogen atom's lone pair is transferred to a hydrogen ion (H\textsuperscript{+}), establishing a coordinate bond. The remaining three N–H bonds are standard covalent bonds. Additional examples: (a) HCl exhibits a polar covalent bond.
(b) NH\textsubscript{3} contains only covalent bonds.
(c) H\textsubscript{2}O consists solely of covalent bonds.