Chemistry Chemical Bonding UHS 2024
PMDC Verified Question 1 of 102
Which of the following has a coordinate bond?
A
NaCl
B
CaO
C
\( \text{NH}_3\text{BF}_3 \)
D
\( \text{H}_2\text{O} \)
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option C: \( \text{NH}_3\text{BF}_3 \)
Concept:

A coordinate (dative) bond forms when an electron-rich Lewis base donates a lone pair entirely into the empty orbital of an electron-deficient Lewis acid.

Formula:

$$ \text{H}_3\text{N}: \longrightarrow \text{BF}_3 $$

Solution:

  • Ammonia (\( \text{NH}_3 \)) has a complete octet with one non-bonding lone pair on the Nitrogen.


  • Boron trifluoride (\( \text{BF}_3 \)) is electron-deficient, having only 6 valence electrons (an incomplete octet).


  • Nitrogen donates its lone pair into Boron's empty p-orbital to form the stable \( \text{NH}_3\text{-BF}_3 \) adduct. This specific bond is a coordinate covalent bond.


Why other options are incorrect:

  • Option A & Option B: These are standard ionic compounds formed by complete electron transfer.
  • Option D: Water consists of standard mutual covalent bonds where each atom contributes one electron.

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