Formal Charge

[jane_ni_2d]

Which is more important when it comes to stability- making sure that the formal charge is zero on everything or making sure that the octet rule is satisfied?

[Kristen Kim 2K]

I think you should make sure the octets are filled first before you go on to check formal charges.

[Megan Wong 4E]

I think that formal charge is more important than the octet rule in order to find the most stable Lewis dot structure.

After creating bonds and applying the left over lone pairs to reach the appropriate number of electrons, the formal charge should override the octet rule. Elements that can have expanded octets may have to utilize that feature to achieve a formal charge of zero rather than having a positive or negative charge.

[dgerges 4H]

octet rule is the first thing we consider, so as long as you keep in mind exceptions to the octet rule, then you should do octet rule first and check formal charges after.

[cassidysong 1K]

In making a lewis dot structure you first think about the octet rule and then adjust the structure to have a better formal charge.