Formal charge vs octet rule

[yast_27]

Hi,

Is it more important to fullfill the octet rule or to have the most stable molecule possible?

Thank you

[John_Richey_4A]

Only the elements past period 3 can have more than the octet, excluding boron. In those cases it's more important to have the most stable molecule, if it isn't an element in or past period 3, focus on filling the octet.

[Annalyn Diaz 1J]

I would have to agree, having the most stable molecule possible would be the priority over the octet rule (especially since the octet rule becomes violated in and after period3 due to expanded octets) although for the most part having the octet for elements before period 3 does contribute to the overall stability of the atom from its formal charge.

[Yvonne Du]

You should try to give every atom an octet, then you can see if the formal charges are all equal to zero. If not, then check to see if the central atom is in 3p orbital, therefore, you can violate the octet rule. Most of the times the structure should satisfy both the octet rule and the formal charge.

[Sydney Stump]

I believe that the formal charge takes precedence unless there is an element that cannot have the octet rule violated, so elements below period three.

[cassidysong 1K]

What people above me said: it is better to be more stable if it is below period 3.