Coordinate vs regular covalent bonds

[DevanCornelio_1I]

What specifically differentiates coordinate covalent bonds from regular ones?

[505989311]

The key difference between coordinate covalent and regular covalent bonds is where the shared electrons come from. In coordinate covalent bonds, one atom provides both electrons while in regular covalent bonds, electrons are shared more evenly between two atoms as each atom provides one electron to the bond. This gives coordinate covalent bonds a distinct directional nature which affects the geometry and reactivity of the molecule.

[pamela_3E]

Hi, in a coordinate covalent bond, one atom provides both electrons while in a covalent bond, each atom provides one electron. An example of a coordinate covalent bond would be BF3 + F- -> BF4. B does not provide any electrons to the bond while F- shares 2 electrons.