Most Stable Configuration

[Bruce Chen 2H]

If asked to draw the most stable configuration for a resonance structure, how do we know which configuration is the most stable?

[Jeffrey Xiao 4A]

It is most stable if the formal charge of all the elements in the neutral compound are closest to 0, V-(L+S/2).

[Desiree1G]

The most stable configuration is one in which its formal charge would be 0. This can be determined with the formula V-(L+S/2), where v is the valence electrons, L is the lone pair of electrons and S is the shared electrons over 2.

[Ricardo Martin 1J]

The most stable configuration for a resonance structure would be one where the formal charge is closest to 0, which could be find with the equation FC= V (valence electrons) - (L (lone pair electrons) + s/2 (shared electrons divided by 2).

[Kristy 1F]

When the formal charge（FC）is equal to 0, it is the most stable configuration, the more configuration is close to 0, the more stable the configuration is.

[Kristy 1F]

When the formal charge（FC）is equal to 0, it is the most stable configuration, the more configuration is close to 0, the more stable the configuration is.

[Kyither Min 2K]

It is when the atoms are closest to the formal charge of 0.

[Jonathan Cheng 3C]

It is when all the formal charges are close to 0

[Claire Aseremo 1D]

All the formal charges must be closest to 0 for the most stable.

[Dong Hyun Lee 4E]

The most stable configuration is when the formal charges for all elements of that compound are zero or closest to zero. Formal charge is the number you get when you subtract the number of bonds and lone pair electrons from the valence electrons of an element. If you have a positive formal charge next to a negative formal charge, there is a more stable form than what you have.

[KHuang1L]

The most stable configuration is one where you get as many formal charges equal to zero as you can. In the case that you cannot get all formal charges equal to zero, try to change it so that the sum of all the formal charges is zero. Also, try to put the negative formal charge on the more electronegative atoms.

[Manas Jinka]

The most stable configuration is when all the formal charges add up to 0.