Identifying Molecules with Coordinate Bonds

Coordinate bonds, also known as dative bonds, are a type of covalent bond where one atom donates a pair of electrons to another atom. This type of bond is typically formed between a Lewis acid (electron acceptor) and a Lewis base (electron donor). To identify molecules with coordinate bonds, we need to look for Lewis acids and bases in the molecule.

Explanation of Molecules

BH-4: This molecule is called borohydride ion and has a coordinate bond between boron (B) and hydrogen (H). The hydrogen atom donates a pair of electrons to boron, forming a coordinate bond.

NH4: This molecule is called ammonium ion and has four coordinate bonds between nitrogen (N) and hydrogen (H). Each hydrogen atom donates a pair of electrons to nitrogen, forming a coordinate bond.

CO3-2: This molecule is called carbonate ion and does not have any coordinate bonds. It has three single covalent bonds between carbon (C) and oxygen (O), and one double covalent bond between carbon and one of the oxygen atoms.

H3O: This molecule is called hydronium ion and has a coordinate bond between oxygen (O) and hydrogen (H). The oxygen atom donates a pair of electrons to the hydrogen atom, forming a coordinate bond.

Conclusion

To identify molecules with coordinate bonds, we need to look for Lewis acids and bases in the molecule. BH-4 and H3O have coordinate bonds, while NH4 and CO3-2 do not have coordinate bonds.

Carbonte ion
it will not gain or lose LONE PAIR
whereas ammonia will donate 2 lp to hydrogen ion to form ammonium ion similarly with water
Bh3 will accept lp to become Bh-4