Choosing the central atom

[RasikaObla_4I]

Is there a rule for choosing the central atom? And are there some atoms that will always be the central atom?

[saigorijavolu2k]

it is usually the least electronegative atom. Carbon is good

[Kevin Antony 2B]

When choosing the central atom you look for which atom has the lowest ionization energy to be the central atom.

[jvera4b]

The central atom is the one with the lowest ionization energy(decrese down a group and increase across a period).

[Shimei_2F]

Dr. Lavelle said during lecture to use the least electronegative atom as the central atom. In the case that carbon is present in the ion, it's usually the central atom.

[Natalie C 1K]

the atom that has the lowest ionization energy is the central atom! ionization energy decreases down a group and increases across a period

[Clarice Chui 2C]

He also mentioned that hydrogen will never be the central atom. Just something to remember!

[Nikki Razal 1L]

The central atom is the element with the lowest ionization energy. Usually, it is the first element in a compound, and when it is placed in the middle, you are able to draw atoms symmetrically around it.

[Shail Avasthi 2C]

The atom with the lowest ionization energy should be the central atom.

[Kendra Barreras 3E]

It typically is the one with the lowest ionization energy.

[SimranSangha4I]

When picking a central atom, it's most common to pick the one with the lowest ionization energy.

[Jacob Villar 2C]

The atom with the lowest ionization energy is the central atom.

[Abraham De Luna]

You choose the central atom by picking the atom that has the lowest ionization energy.

[Shail Avasthi 2C]

The atom with the lowest ionization energy should be the central atom. When a molecule contains carbon, it is usually central in some way. Hydrogen should never be chosen as the central atom.

[jmtz1I]

From what Lavelle said, you should pick the atom with the lowest ionization energy to be the central atom.

[Lauren Sanchez 3D]

Just to clarify, what are the periodic trends for ionization energy?

[Ashley Fang 2G]

Ionization energy increases as you go up a column and to the right of a period. It's the energy required to remove an electron.