What are the formal charges of the atoms shown in red?

Key Concepts

Formal Charge

Formal charge is a theoretical charge assigned to an atom in a molecule, calculated based on the number of valence electrons, the number of bonds, and the number of non-bonding electrons. It helps in determining the most stable structure of a molecule by minimizing the formal charges across the atoms. The formula for calculating formal charge is: Formal Charge = Valence Electrons - (Non-bonding Electrons + 1/2 Bonding Electrons).

Lewis Structures

Lewis structures are diagrams that represent the bonding between atoms in a molecule and the lone pairs of electrons that may exist. They provide a visual representation of the arrangement of electrons and help in understanding the distribution of formal charges. Drawing accurate Lewis structures is essential for determining the formal charges of atoms within a molecule.

Valence Electrons

Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that are involved in forming bonds with other atoms. The number of valence electrons determines an atom's reactivity and its ability to form bonds. Understanding the concept of valence electrons is crucial for calculating formal charges and predicting the behavior of atoms in chemical reactions.