Optimal Formal Charge Configuration
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Optimal Formal Charge Configuration
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?
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Re: Optimal Formal Charge Configuration
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.
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Re: Optimal Formal Charge Configuration
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.
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Re: Optimal Formal Charge Configuration
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.
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