The Enthalpy of Formation

The enthalpy of formation is the amount of energy absorbed or released when one mole of a compound is created from its basic ingredients in their standard states, usually at room temperature and pressure. It reflects the stability of the compound relative to its elements. A negative value indicates that energy is released when the compound forms, suggesting it’s more stable than its separate elements. Conversely, a positive value means energy is required to form it. This concept helps chemists understand reactions’ energy changes and predict whether a chemical process will occur spontaneously.