I'm still a little confused what the most plausible structure would be based on formal charges. If a structure has more numbers of atoms with 0 formal charge, is this structure would be the most plausible one?
Also, according to the Sapling homework, it says that negative formal charge should be on the most electronegative atom. It is a bit confusing for me. Can someone explain why is that? Thank you in advance!
The most plausible structure
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Re: The most plausible structure
Generally, I think the idea is that the ideal structure would minimize the amount of formal charges. So having less atoms with a formal charge would make the structure more plausible.
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Re: The most plausible structure
Hi,
Also, the most electronegative atoms (like Cl, F, O) should have the negative formal charge in a molecule over an atom like C or B.
Also, the most electronegative atoms (like Cl, F, O) should have the negative formal charge in a molecule over an atom like C or B.
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Re: The most plausible structure
We would want the negative formal charge on the most electronegative element, or the element that is going to want to gain an extra electron the most (therefore giving it a negative charge), since this is most likely what will occur in the real world. If you have two magnets, one that is a lot stronger than the other, any piece of metal will be drawn to the stronger magnet. It's the same thing for electrons, and therefore we tend to see negative/positive formal charges on the element that is most likely to want to take or give an electron. A good structure should try to limit the amount of formal charges present overall, though I don't really have much of an explanation for this than it is less complex and more likely to occur.
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Re: The most plausible structure
The criteria I usually try to meet when looking for the most plausible structure include:
Which structure has the most atoms with formal charges closest to 0?
Are the negative formal charges on the most electronegative atoms?
If the structure satisfies these two requirements, I like to consider it the most plausible structure.
Which structure has the most atoms with formal charges closest to 0?
Are the negative formal charges on the most electronegative atoms?
If the structure satisfies these two requirements, I like to consider it the most plausible structure.
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