Chemistry / Unit 6 Chem 1006 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Using Formal Charge to Choose the Best Structure
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The idea
Among valid Lewis structures for one molecule, the structure with formal charges nearest zero, and negative charge on the more electronegative atom, is preferred.
In practice
Between two valid structures for one ion, the structure placing negative formal charge on oxygen rather than carbon wins.
Where people slip
Minimizing formal charge picks among already-valid structures; it never overrides the octet rule itself.
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