Finding the Right Lewis Structure: Formal Charge

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the most favorable Lewis structure based on formal charge calculations. Participants explore the implications of formal charge distribution among atoms in the context of achieving complete octets.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents two Lewis structures with different formal charge distributions and questions whether it is better to minimize overall formal charge or to have individual atoms with formal charges as close to zero as possible.
  • Another participant suggests that having a complete octet is preferable, regardless of how formal charges are distributed.
  • A further participant seeks clarification by asking for a specific example to illustrate the scenario of having a complete octet with varying formal charge distributions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the prioritization of formal charge distribution versus achieving complete octets, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks specific examples to illustrate the claims made, which may limit the understanding of the scenarios being debated.

Dell
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with lewis structures, if i come to 2 separate structures that both seem right, and i want to know which is right, and i check the formal charge, and get:
for one diagram

0:1:-1:1:1

and for the other
0:0:0:0:2

which is better, i guess what I am trying to ask is, is it preferable to have a minimal FC overall, but spread over all the atoms, or as many atoms as close to zero as i can??
 
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It is preferable to have a complete octet around everything and let the FC chips fall where they may...
 
that i know, but if i have a complete octet for all the atoms but can either spread the FC between them or have all the FC on one, what is better
 
Give us your example. I can't think of an example where that would be the case off the top of my head...
 

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