Formal Charge Stability

$FC=V-(L+\frac{S}{2})$

Tracey Tran 3I
Posts: 50
Joined: Thu Jul 11, 2019 12:16 am

Formal Charge Stability

Why are molecules with lower formal charge more stable?

Sydney Myers 4I
Posts: 100
Joined: Fri Aug 09, 2019 12:17 am

Re: Formal Charge Stability

Since the formula is Valence electrons minus a value, it would follow that the closer that value is to the number of valence electrons the smaller the formal charge is. The value subtracted from valence electrons is the lone pairs and half of the shared electrons. If you think about it, this value would equal the valence electrons if an atom kept all of its electrons and equally shared with other atoms. This is why a lower formal charge indicated stability.

Malia Shitabata 1F
Posts: 127
Joined: Sat Aug 17, 2019 12:17 am

Re: Formal Charge Stability

Also when assigning formal charge values, if there is a negative value it is most stable if it goes on the more electronegative atom.

Tahlia Mullins
Posts: 105
Joined: Thu Jul 25, 2019 12:15 am

Re: Formal Charge Stability

Since atoms are most stable when they share their valence electrons equally in bonding, and valence electrons is the first term in the formal charge formula, if the formal charge is 0, the previously stated will be fulfilled, making it more stable.

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