Bond Definition Problem

[Jay0689]

When one atom donates both electrons, what type of bond is formed?

2011 Destroyer #121 says this is a coordinate covalent bond, but one of the options is ionic. So why is this not an ionic bond? For example, Mg donating both electrons to O to form MgO.

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[756034]

I realize your question was posted almost 5 years ago, but in case anyone else comes across it and wants to know, I thought I would answer. When one atom shares a pair of its electrons with another atom, the bond would be called a coordinate covalent bond. It would not be an ionic bond because an ionic bond is formed from the transfer of electrons from one atom to another. Its the difference between me saying, "Hey, want to share this snack with me?" versus "Hey, I brought you a snack. It's all yours." Also keep in mind that it is the electrostatic attraction of the formed positive and negative ions in an ionic bond that will hold the molecule together after the transfer of electrons has occurred.