>>13830029always check the IUPAC goldbook.
this is the official definition of dative bond
https://goldbook.iupac.org/terms/view/D01523>The coordinationbond formed upon interaction between molecular species, one of which serves as a donor and the other as an acceptor of the electron pair to be shared in the complex formed, e.g, the N-->B bond in H3N-->BH3. In spite of the analogy of dative bonds with covalent bonds, in that both types imply sharing a common electron pair between two vicinal atoms, the former are distinguished by their significant polarity, lesser strength, and greater length. The distinctive feature of dative bonds is that their minimum-energy rupture in the gas phase or in inert
solvent follows the heterolytic bond cleavage path.
The last sentence means when given enough energy, the dative bond is broken such that one piece gets both electrons from the dative bond, and the other piece gets neither of them.
WRT methanol (referencing your pic), if you irradiate it in the gas phase you can get homolytic cleavage (methyl radical and hydroxyl radical), that's why it's considered covalent not dative.
>>13830050>both electrons come from one speciesthis is it
