formal charge

[Deena Doan 2F]

Hi,
Does anyone know we have to use formal charge to check every lewis structure diagram we do on the midterm?

[dtolentino1E]

i don't think you have to check formal charge for every structure, just when the question asks you to. For drawing lewis structures, I think it's more important to fill up an octet than it is to have low formal charges

[Jada Brown 2H]

I don't think it is required for every single structure, only on ones where explicitly asked or where multiple resonance structures are possible. In such cases, writing out the formal charges as a way of showing work as to how you reached the correct structure is probably advisable.

[305376058]

I don't think it is necessarily required, but it does help ensure that you draw the most stable compound.

[Eesha Sohail 1D]

How do you guys decide whether or not a value for formal charge is too egregious? Usually I consider +/- 1 or 2 valid, and anything above that is sketch, but it's not really a set rule.

[Shail Avasthi 2C]

Formal charges are a useful quick check to see if your Lewis Structure is stable or still needs reworking. I would recommend quickly checking formal charges on most lewis structures you draw for this reason, unless it's ridiculously easy or it's a structure you know already.

[SVajragiri_1C]

You only have to check the formal charge if they ask you to, other than that you do it just to verify your answer.