Formal charge on central atom

[marcus lin 1E]

Why does the formal charge on the central atom have to be as close to zero as possible?

[Diego Gonzalez 3F]

the closer to zero the charge is, the more stable the entire compound will be. Since its the central atom its especially important since its bonding with every other atom in the compound.

[Angela Cong 3C]

additionally, the central atom is alway the least electronegative so the surrounding atoms bonded would much rather have the more negative charge

[Jeremy Feng 1A]

In nature, multiple structures exist, as do resonance structures. To my understanding, by drawing the most stable structure, we are illustrating the patterns most likely to exist at any given time.

[Jayde Felix 4H]

Closer to zero means more stable than other structures with different charges.

[uhedlund]

A formal charge closer to zero is more stable than other higher charges.