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Determining Lewis structures
Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2016 7:30 am
by Mannat Sukhija 1E
When given the choice between drawing a Lewis structure that has the overall smallest formal charge or one that has a smaller charge for the central atom, which one is deemed more correct?
Re: Determining Lewis structures
Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2016 9:55 am
by Chem_Mod
Typically the smallest formal charge on each atom is the best Lewis structure as long as all atoms have at least an octet. However, it is best to have negative formal charges on the most electronegative atoms and vice versa.
Re: Determining Lewis structures
Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2016 10:34 am
by Christian Hardoy 3F
The best lewis structure might also be a resonance hybrid structure if the molecule is more stable with delocalized electrons. Therefore, the formal charges could vary depending on the different resonance structures.
Re: Determining Lewis structures
Posted: Sun Dec 04, 2016 10:46 am
by Joslyn_Santana_2B
Does anyone know why the most stable lewis structure for NO2 has charges on N and one of the O's, when there is a structure where all the FC's can be 0?
Re: Determining Lewis structures
Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2017 10:38 pm
by Jennah Muhammad 1H
when drawing a lewis structure how do you determine where to place the lone pair if there is one