When determining the most stable structure, does symmetry or formal charge come first?
For instance, for question 2B15) which asked to draw ClNO2, I mistakenly drew the Cl attached to the oxygen instead of the nitrogen, making an L-shape, because I thought that each atom's formal charge had to amount to zero. However, is symmetry more important?
Determining most stable Lewis structure
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Re: Determining most stable Lewis structure
Symmetry and formal charge are equally important. In question 2B.15, they say that N is the central atom.
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Re: Determining most stable Lewis structure
Although they are both important, formal charge is slightly more important. Not all lewis structures will be symmetrical.
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Re: Determining most stable Lewis structure
The least electronegative atom (in this case, nitrogen) being the central atom is also important.
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Re: Determining most stable Lewis structure
In general they are both important. But regarding formal, you'd want to spread it out than have it condensed into one atom/side.
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Re: Determining most stable Lewis structure
Formal charge is the most important in determining the most stable structure.
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