Chapter 9, Problem 25E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Using formal charges, the better of the two given structures is to be determined.

Concept introduction: A formal charge is the charge assigned to an atom in a molecule. It is assumed that electrons in all bonds are shared equally between atoms regardless of relative electronegativity.
The formal charge on an atom is calculated by the formula,

$\text{Formal}\text{charge}=\left(\begin{array}{c}\text{Valence}\text{electrons}-\\ \left[\text{Lone}\text{pair}\text{electrons}+\frac{\text{Bonding}\text{electrons}}{2}\right]\end{array}\right)$

To determine: Using formal charges, the better of the two given structures.