Stability

[AMahadi]

Why is the formal charge of an atom indicative of it being more stable?

[Ruby Tang 2J]

It's all about charge distribution. The closer to 0 the formal charge is, the more evenly distributed the electrons are about the molecule. If the absolute values of the formal charges of the atoms in a molecule are high, this will lead to the molecule having regions that are more negatively or positively charged than the rest of the molecule, which is generally unfavorable when we are trying to find the structure with the lowest energy (aka the most stable structure).

[Arianna Perea 3H]

For it to be considered more stable, is it the central element that has to be closest to 0 or the surrounding ones as well?

[Pablo 1K]

The central atom should be of a charge of 0 for the structure of a molecule top be most stable. As for any charges If the whole electron shell is filled that means it will be at its most stable state.

[KTran 1I]

For it to be considered more stable, is it the central element that has to be closest to 0 or the surrounding ones as well?

Ideally, the central element and all the other elements should have a formal charge of zero or close to zero because this would indicate that the electrons are evenly distributed.

[philipraj_1F]

Higher uneven distribution of charges in a molecule will cause it to be less stable. When the formal charge is closest to zero, that is when it is most stable.

[Bryce Barbee]

The formal charge of the atom relates to how stable it is because if it is zero then it has less of a chance to gain or lose an electron.

[Pablo 1K]

By having a 0 charge, nothing will interfere (ideally) with the molecule as all electron shells are full. All elements are in the best state to be.

[Veronica Lu 2H]

the formal charge should be zero (or close to it) in order for the octet to be complete and create stability.

[Micah3J]

Is there a quick way of determining the formal charge of an atom without going through the equation each time? Thanks