14.1 Formal Charge

Question 1

Use of formal charge

Answer 1

Formal charge (FC) can be used to decide which Lewis (electron dot) structure is preferred from several.

1) Preferred Lewis structure is the one where the individual atoms have a formal charge that is closest to ‘0’
2) For neutral compounds, the sum of formal charges must equal to 0
3) If somehow, you end up with the same combination of charges but on different atoms then prefer the Lewis structure with negative a charge on the most electro negative atom

Question 2

What is formal charge ?

Answer 2

The FC is the charge an atom would have if all atoms in the molecule had the same electronegativity

Question 3

Formula for Formal Charge

Answer 3

FC = (Number of valence electrons)-½(Number of bonding electrons)-(Number of non-bonding electrons).

Question 4

Ligands

Answer 4

an ion or molecule attached to a metal atom by coordinate bonding