Formal Charge on Central Atoms

[nyireess]

Would a molecule be considered unstable if the central atom has a formal charge other than 0?

[Amber Shanks 2K]

No I don't believe so because based on what I remember the central atom is the most stable when the formal charge is 0

[405957853 3I]

No, a molecule with a formal charge other than 0 on it's central atom would not be considered unstable if the formal charges of the other atoms canceled the formal charge of the central atom out. Although it wouldn't be the most stable, it wouldn't necessarily be unstable.

[605988349]

No, when the formal charge of the central atom equals to 0, it's consider the best state compared to it being -1, 1 or anything else.