formal charge

Formal charge is a way to estimate the distribution of electrons in a molecule, helping to determine the most stable and accurate structure. It involves assigning electrons to atoms based on shared and unshared pairs, then comparing this to the number of electrons an atom normally has in its free state. A lower or zero formal charge indicates a more stable structure, while higher charges suggest less stability. This concept helps chemists predict how atoms bond and how molecules behave by providing a clearer picture of electron arrangements within the molecule.