Formal Charge

[harperlacroix1a]

Should the formal charge for a Lewis structure ever not be equal to zero? Is something for sure wrong with the structure if the formal charge not equal to zero?

[bonnie_schmitz_1F]

Well in a lot of cases not all of the atoms can have a formal charge of zero. In Lewis structures, I think we want as many atoms to have a formal charge of 0 as possible, but its especially important that the central atom have a formal charge of 0. Additionally there are only a few atoms that can have more than 8 electrons around the outside. These atoms are Sulfur and Phosphorus.

[Anusha 1H]

In some cases, the formal charge will not be equal to zero.
In looking for the most stable lewis structure, though, we should be looking for the structure that has the most individual formal charges close to 0.

[katie_sutton1B]

Ions will have to have a formal charge, but that could be stated in the chemical formula given. For example, BrO- will have a formal charge of -1. There will be 6 lone pairs on Br, a covalent bond to O, with 6 lone pairs on O. This gives Br a formal charge of 0, and O a formal charge of -1. (FC = valence electrons - # of dots and lines)

[Imelda Mena 3I]

Are negative formal charges more preferable in terms of stability over positive formal charges?

[Imelda Mena 3I]

Well in a lot of cases not all of the atoms can have a formal charge of zero. In Lewis structures, I think we want as many atoms to have a formal charge of 0 as possible, but its especially important that the central atom have a formal charge of 0. Additionally there are only a few atoms that can have more than 8 electrons around the outside. These atoms are Sulfur and Phosphorus.

Why is it especially important that the central atom have a formal charge of 0?

[anishathomas]

There are some instantances where formal charge does not equal zero. It would be preferable if the central atom has one of zero, but if it isn’t and you made sure that you have drawn the Lewis structure with the lowest energy,and you still have a formal charge of negative one, then it can happen

[Maria Nabagala 3E]

In most cases you want your formal charge to equal to zero, however, there are times when the formal charge will not equal to zero. That doesn't mean you're wrong