Consider the Lewis structure below. What are the formal charges of each atom?

Question

B - ?
F - ?

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Answer 1 · 2017-04-25T01:43:01

#"FC (:B≡) = " -2#

#"FC (≡F:) = " +2#

#"FC" = "valence" -"Bonded electrons"/2 - "nonbonded electrons"#

or

#FC = V - B/2 - N#

#V =# Valence

#B =# Bonded Electrons

#N =# Nonbonded Electrons

Isolate the element of interest, all bonds, and nonbonded electrons

Boron #=> ":B≡" => FC = 3 -(6/2)-2 = -2#

Fluoride #=> "≡F:" => FC = 7 - (6/2) - 2 = +2#