2.3.6
Formal Charge
Formal Charge
Formal Charge
To accurately choose the correct Lewis structure for a molecule, formal charge is calculated and the structure with the least amount of overall charge is chosen.


Formal charge equation
Formal charge equation
- When drawing Lewis structures, it is possible that a variety of structures can be drawn based on the particular method you choose to use.
- The equation for calculating the formal charge is:
- Formal charge = no. valence electrons - ( bonded electrons + lone electrons)
 1.2.3.1 - Periodic table highlighting the division between metals and non-metals-min,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
 1.2.3.1 - Periodic table highlighting the division between metals and non-metals-min,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
Formal charge variables
Formal charge variables
- Valence electrons can be determined by looking at the location on the periodic table (i.e. group 7 has 7 valence electrons).
- ½ bonded electrons refers to the dash or shared pair of electrons in the bond.
- Use only one electron for each dash or shared pair of electrons since only one electron is contributed from that atom.
- Lone electrons refer to the non-bonded electrons on the atom where formal charge is being calculated.


Calculation
Calculation
- A formal charge calculation must be done on each atom in the structure.
- For neutral molecules the total charge will add up to zero.
- For ions, the charge will add up to the total charge of the ion.


Choosing a structure
Choosing a structure
- The most stable structure is the one with the least amount of charge.
- In other words, choose the structure whose formal charge on each atom is zero.
- If charge must exist (because it’s an ion) then choose the structure whose negative charge resides on the most electronegative atom or most positive charge resides on the least electronegative atom.
Formal Charge - Example Calculation
Formal Charge - Example Calculation
Now we have covered formal charge, let's go through an example so you can feel super confident with these questions!


Remember me?
Remember me?
- The example we are going to go through is for the famous thiocyanate ion.
- The formal charges of the different thiocyanate resonance are shown on the subsequent slides.
- Remember the equation for formal charge is:
- Formal charge = no. valence electrons - ( bonded electrons + lone electrons)
,h_400,q_80,w_640.png)
,h_400,q_80,w_640.png)
,h_400,q_80,w_640.png)
,h_400,q_80,w_640.png)
So, which one's right?
So, which one's right?
- The correct resonance structure is the middle because the formal charge on nitrogen is -1.
- Nitrogen is the most electronegative atom in the structure.
- Remember we want the structure with the least amount of charge, so it can't be the bottom structure (both the Nitrogen and Sulfur atom have formal charges).
,h_400,q_80,w_640.png)
,h_400,q_80,w_640.png)
1Structure - Models of the Particulate of Matter
1.1Introduction to the Particulate Model of Matter
1.2The Nuclear Atom
1.3Electron Configuration
1.4Counting Particles by Mass: The Mole
1.6Elements, Compounds & Mixtures
1.7States of Matter & Changes of State
1.8Reacting Masses &. Volumes
1.9Solutions
2Structure - Models of Bonding & Structure
2.1The Ionic Model
2.2The Covalent Model
2.3Covalent Structures
2.4The Metallic Model
2.5From Models to Materials
2.6Valence Electrons & Ionic Compounds
2.7Molecular Shape
3Structure - Classification of Matter
3.1The Periodic Table: Classification of Elements
3.2Periodic Trends
3.3Group 1 Alkali Metals
3.4Halogens
3.5Noble gases, group 18
3.6Functional Groups: Classification of Organic
3.7Functional Group Chemistry
3.8Alkanes
3.9Alcohols
4Reactivity - What Drives Chemical Reaction?
4.1Endothermic & Exothermic Reactions
4.2Enthalpy of Reaction, Formation, & Hess' Law
5Reactivity - How Much, How Fast & How Far?
5.1Kinetics
5.2Rates of Reaction
5.3Stoichometry
5.4Le Châtelier’s Principle
5.5Introduction to Equilibrium
5.6Equilibrium Constant
5.7Reaction Quotient & Equilibrium Constant
6Reactivity - The Mechanisms of Chemical Change
6.1Proton Transfer Reactions
6.2The pH Scale
6.3Strong & Weak Acids and Bases
6.4Acid Deposition
6.5Types of Organic Reactions
6.6Oxidation & Reduction
6.7Electrochemical Cells
6.9Acid-Base Titrations
6.9.1Titration Calculation Weak Acid & Strong Base
6.9.2Titration Experimental Detail
6.9.3Extended Response - Titration
6.9.4Titration Calculations
6.9.5Titration Curves
6.9.6Titration Calculation Strong Acid & Weak Base
6.9.7IB Multiple Choice - Titrations
6.9.8Polyprotic Acids
6.9.9Titration Calculations Strong Acid & Strong Base
6.9.10Titrations Curves 2
7Measurement, Data Processing & Analysis
7.1Uncertainties & Errors in Measurements & Results
7.2Graphical Techniques
7.3Spectroscopic Identification of Organic Compounds
7.4Infrared Spectroscpy
Jump to other topics
1Structure - Models of the Particulate of Matter
1.1Introduction to the Particulate Model of Matter
1.2The Nuclear Atom
1.3Electron Configuration
1.4Counting Particles by Mass: The Mole
1.6Elements, Compounds & Mixtures
1.7States of Matter & Changes of State
1.8Reacting Masses &. Volumes
1.9Solutions
2Structure - Models of Bonding & Structure
2.1The Ionic Model
2.2The Covalent Model
2.3Covalent Structures
2.4The Metallic Model
2.5From Models to Materials
2.6Valence Electrons & Ionic Compounds
2.7Molecular Shape
3Structure - Classification of Matter
3.1The Periodic Table: Classification of Elements
3.2Periodic Trends
3.3Group 1 Alkali Metals
3.4Halogens
3.5Noble gases, group 18
3.6Functional Groups: Classification of Organic
3.7Functional Group Chemistry
3.8Alkanes
3.9Alcohols
4Reactivity - What Drives Chemical Reaction?
4.1Endothermic & Exothermic Reactions
4.2Enthalpy of Reaction, Formation, & Hess' Law
5Reactivity - How Much, How Fast & How Far?
5.1Kinetics
5.2Rates of Reaction
5.3Stoichometry
5.4Le Châtelier’s Principle
5.5Introduction to Equilibrium
5.6Equilibrium Constant
5.7Reaction Quotient & Equilibrium Constant
6Reactivity - The Mechanisms of Chemical Change
6.1Proton Transfer Reactions
6.2The pH Scale
6.3Strong & Weak Acids and Bases
6.4Acid Deposition
6.5Types of Organic Reactions
6.6Oxidation & Reduction
6.7Electrochemical Cells
6.9Acid-Base Titrations
6.9.1Titration Calculation Weak Acid & Strong Base
6.9.2Titration Experimental Detail
6.9.3Extended Response - Titration
6.9.4Titration Calculations
6.9.5Titration Curves
6.9.6Titration Calculation Strong Acid & Weak Base
6.9.7IB Multiple Choice - Titrations
6.9.8Polyprotic Acids
6.9.9Titration Calculations Strong Acid & Strong Base
6.9.10Titrations Curves 2
7Measurement, Data Processing & Analysis
7.1Uncertainties & Errors in Measurements & Results
7.2Graphical Techniques
7.3Spectroscopic Identification of Organic Compounds
7.4Infrared Spectroscpy
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