A coordination bond is a type of chemical bond that occurs when a metal ion shares electron pairs with other atoms, molecules or ions. This type of bond is formed due to the attraction between oppositely charged ions or molecules. Some synonyms for the term "coordination bond" are complex bond, ligand bond, and metal-ligand bond. The term "complex bond" is used because the coordination bond forms when a metal ion reacts with molecules or ions, forming a complex. "Ligand bond" is used because of the ligands, or atoms or molecules that bond to the metal ion, forming the coordination bond. "Metal-ligand bond" describes the bond between the metal and ligand atoms or molecules. Overall, these synonyms all refer to the same type of chemical bond.