With the assumption that the #NH_4^+# ion is formed from the reaction between ammonia and hydrogen ion, how would you describe the formation of bond between these two species and state the type of bond formed?

1 Answer
anor277
Aug 28, 2016

#H_3N(aq) + OH_2(l) rightleftharpoons H_4N^+ + HO^-#

Explanation:

In the ammonium ion, ALL the hydrogen atoms are equivalent. A coordinate-covalent bond has formed between the nitrogen lone pair and a proton on the water molecule; of course we can't distinguish which bond is which.

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