Final answer:
Coordinative bonding, also known as coordinate covalent bonding, is a type of bonding where one atom donates both electrons to form a bond. This is different from covalent bonding, where electrons are shared between atoms, and ionic bonding, where electrons are transferred from one atom to another.
Step-by-step explanation:
Coordinative bonding, also known as coordinate covalent bonding, is a type of bonding where one atom donates both electrons to form a bond. This is different from covalent bonding, where electrons are shared between atoms, and ionic bonding, where electrons are transferred from one atom to another. In coordinative bonding, the bonded atoms are called a Lewis acid and a Lewis base, with the Lewis base donating the electron pair.
For example, in the case of complex formation at the electron donor, a Lewis base donates its lone pair of electrons to a Lewis acid. This results in the formation of a covalent bond. In complex formation at the electron acceptor, a Lewis acid accepts a lone pair of electrons from a Lewis base, again forming a covalent bond. The main difference between coordinative bonding and covalent and ionic bonding is the source of electrons used to form the bond.