Chapter 8, Problem 50QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The concept of formal charge is to be explained, and whether formal charges represent the actual separation of charges or not is to be stated.

Concept Introduction:

Every atom present in the molecule or the compound exhibits partial negative or partial positive charge.

The sum of formal charges on all the atoms present in the molecule is zero.

Formal charge provides the concept of charges present on a particular atom in the molecule or the compound.

Formal charge on an atom present in the molecule is calculated by the expression:

$\text{F}\text{.C}\text{.}=n_{\text{VE}}-n_{\text{NE}}-\frac{n_{\text{BE}}}{2}$

Here, $\text{F}\text{.C}\text{.}$ is the formal charge, $n_{\text{VE}}$ is the number of valance electrons, $n_{\text{NE}}$ is the number of non-bonding electrons, and $n_{\text{BE}}$ is the number of bonding electrons.