Chemistry / Chem 1006 · Atom · ~20 seconds
Using Formal Charge to Choose the Best Structure
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Among valid Lewis structures for one molecule, the structure with formal charges nearest zero, and negative charge on the more electronegative atom, is preferred.
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Between two valid structures for one ion, the structure placing negative formal charge on oxygen rather than carbon wins.
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Minimizing formal charge picks among already-valid structures; it never overrides the octet rule itself.