Which of the following compounds has coordinate bonds in its structure?
Answer Details
The compound that has coordinate bonds in its structure is Al\(_2\)Cl\(_6\). A coordinate bond (also known as a dative bond) is a type of covalent bond in which both electrons in the bond are donated by one atom. In Al\(_2\)Cl\(_6\), each aluminum atom shares its three valence electrons with three chlorine atoms, and each chlorine atom shares one of its electrons with the aluminum atom. This results in a compound with two aluminum atoms that are both surrounded by six chlorine atoms, and each aluminum atom has six shared electrons, three from its own valence electrons and three from the chlorine atoms' lone pairs of electrons.
MgCl\(_2\), AgCl, and NaCl do not have coordinate bonds in their structures. MgCl\(_2\) and NaCl have ionic bonds, where the electrons are transferred from one atom to another. AgCl has a polar covalent bond, where the electrons are shared unequally between the two atoms.