Free interactive chemistry · SIM-BOND-005
Coordinate (dative) bond
A lone pair from one molecule enters an empty orbital on another, forming a dative (coordinate) bond.
Open the interactive simulation →How to use this simulation
- Choose a donor–acceptor pair (for example NH₃ + BF₃).
- Press “Form the bond” or drag the progress slider.
- Read how the acceptor changes: before and after, in the “Explain” panel.
What to notice
- Both electrons of the new bond come from the donor (a Lewis base).
- Once formed, a dative bond is just like any other covalent bond: NH₄⁺ has four identical N–H bonds.
Try this
Why does AlCl₃ accept a Cl⁻ ion?
Try it for free →