Where to minimize formal charge

[605208780]

Is there a specific atom in a molecule that we should try and get to have a 0 formal charge? If there is a charge we can't avoid where should we put it

[Jessica Tran_3K]

The negative charge should usually be placed on the most electronegative atom (typically oxygen)!

[Jasmine Vallarta 2L]

My TA said to always put it on oxygen as a rule of thumb

[Althea Zhao 1B]

You usually want 0 charge on the central atom.

[Janet Nguy 2C]

If you absolutely can't have zero formal charge, be sure to put the negative charge on the most electronegative atom and the positive charge on the most electropositive atoms. Usually if you see Oxygen it will have a negative formal charge because typically it is more electronegative than other atoms.