Question #d7c8a

1 Answer
Chuck W.
Nov 12, 2016

An adduct is the result of formation of a coordinate bond.

Explanation:

When two neutral species come together to form a coordinate bond, one of them provides both of the electrons in the bond.

In the case above, the nitrogen atom in #NH_3# has a lone pair of non-bonding electrons that can be donated to form a coordinate bond to the boron atom in #BF_3#.

#BF_3#, on the other hand, has only 6 electrons in its valence shell (two electrons from each of the 3 BF bonds). It can accept a pair of electrons in its valence shell to form a complete octet (8 electrons) in its valence shell.

Because both electrons in the new B-F bond originated with #NH_3#, the bond is called a coordinate bond. The resulting product, #H_3N-BF_3# is called an adduct.

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