[LegendX]

This question plz :

The nitrate ion, NO3–, in Ca(NO3)2 contains both covalent and dative covalent bonds.
Explain how.

Thanks

[thegodofgod]

(Original post by LegendX)
This question plz :

The nitrate ion, NO3–, in Ca(NO3)2 contains both covalent and dative covalent bonds.
Explain how.

Thanks

There is covalent bonding within the nitrate anion between the N and O atoms, but there is dative covalent bonding between the one of the lone pairs of electrons on one of the oxygen atoms, and the Ca²⁺ ion.

[LegendX]

(Original post by thegodofgod)
There is covalent bonding within the nitrate anion between the N and O atoms, but there is dative covalent bonding between the one of the lone pairs of electrons on one of the oxygen atoms, and the Ca²⁺ ion.

But isn't that a metal and a non metal so isn't that ironically bonded?

[thegodofgod]

(Original post by LegendX)
But isn't that a metal and a non metal so isn't that ironically bonded?

It's ionic as well, as there is a transfer of electrons (2 from 1 calcium atom, of which 1 electron goes to each nitrate ion).

I'd suggest drawing out the dot-cross structure of Ca(NO₃)₂, which should help you out with visualising it

[LegendX]

(Original post by thegodofgod)
It's ionic as well, as there is a transfer of electrons (2 from 1 calcium atom, of which 1 electron goes to each nitrate ion).

I'd suggest drawing out the dot-cross structure of Ca(NO₃)₂, which should help you out with visualising it

Hmm anyone chance you can show me?

[LegendX]

I tried to draw out the diagram, I had a nitrogen atom bonded to 3 oxygens and it having 1 lone pair left.

[thegodofgod]

(Original post by LegendX)
Hmm anyone chance you can show me?

Just made one, see attached image; notice how each NO₃^- ion has a formal charge of -1, although within the ion there is a +1 charge and 2 x -1 charge (making an overall charge of -1)