Optimal Formal Charge Configuration

[TiffanyBrownfield 2I]

My friend showed me a question that asked which thiocyanate structure was the most stable based off formal charge (written as [SCN]-). There were two options listed, one where the Sulfur had the -1 charge and one where the Nitrogen was given the -1 charge. In this case, would it be more stable for the Nitrogen atom to have the charge since it has a higher electronegativity, or is there another factor to consider?

[Rohit Srinivas 2D]

I believe that is correct, you put it on the nitrogen. When you have the option that all else has the lowest formal charge and the only difference is where a negative formal charge goes, then you put that on the more electronegative atom. I believe this is similar to a sapling problem from last weeks homework.

[Xinyu Li 1C]

Typically, you want to place the negative formal charge on the more electronegative atom and the positive formal charge on the less electronegative atom. Hope this helps.

[Jeremy Wei 2C]

Hi, the more electronegative atom should get the negative formal charge and the less electronegative atom should get the positive formal charge, as that would make the molecule more stable.